Linked control system for loading projectiles in a compressed gas projectile accelerator

ABSTRACT

A linked control system for loading projectiles in a compressed projectile accelerator that includes controllers that automate the securing of stored projectiles on a players body. Where said stored projectiles are in storage containers or pods that are held and release to the player from the carrying belt or harness by the said controllers that are connected to relationship sensors. Further, the opening and closing of the containment lids of the storage pods, as well as, the containment lid of the loader or hopper that&#39;s attached to a projectile accelerator is also controlled and automated by the said controllers that are connected to relationship sensors. The system&#39;s linked controllers can also control one or more operating parameters of said compressed projectile accelerator through said relationships or proximity sensors, while informing the player of understandable operational information and/or game information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/139,680 filed on Dec. 22, 2008 entitledCompressed Gas Projectile Accelerator, and U.S. Utility Pat. No.8,360,042 B2 filed on Dec. 22, 2009 entitled Compressed Gas ProjectileAccelerating Linked System For Loading And Expelling MultipleProjectiles At Controlled Varying Velocities, and is a continuation ofU.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/753,410 filed on Jan. 29,2013 entitled Projectile Accelerator That Expels Multiple Projectiles AtControlled Varying Energy Levels In A Inconsistent Manner, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to compressed gas projectileaccelerators and associated projectile equipment. More particularly,configuring compressed gas projectile accelerators and/or the associatedprojectile equipment to allow users to more effectively engage differingtargets and/or opponents.

In the sport of paintball, the maximum velocity at which projectiles arepermitted to be expelled from the barrel of a paintball gun or marker istightly controlled in both recreational and tournament play. Mosttournaments and recreational paintball venues only permit a paintballmarker to shoot paintballs at a maximum speed of 300 feet per second(“FPS”). All markers are subjected to testing by chronographs before andsometimes after a tournament round or match. Some tournaments evenrandomly take chronograph readings of players' markers during actualtournament play. Shooting a hot marker, one that shoots paintballs atover 300 FPS, can subject a player or team to disqualification, a lossof points, or the player not being allowed on the field.

Current paintball markers provide various methods to adjust the speed atwhich a projectile is expelled from the marker. However, once the speedof the marker is adjusted to just below the maximum permitted velocitysetting, the marker is not capable of being easily readjusted withoutthe use of a tool, such as an allen wrench. Carrying tools that can beused to adjust marker velocity settings onto the field is strictlyprohibited. As such, the paintball marker is only capable of beingadjusted to operate on the field at one set velocity setting.

Further, current paintball markers do not provide a method to adjust thespeed of the projectiles that is automatic and/or automated.Furthermore, current paintball markers do not provide an automaticand/or automated velocity adjustment method that does not allow the userto exceed a selected upper velocity limit.

Also, current paintball marker barrels do not provide a method to adjustand/or control the speed of the expelled projectile. As such, currentpaintball markers with current barrels are only capable of expellingprojectiles at one velocity setting.

While current paintball markers and/or current associated projectileequipment provide various methods to load or feed projectiles, with someof these methods compensating for a side to side tilt (i.e.—left/righttilt) and some others even force feeding the projectiles. None providean automatic and/or automated compensation for a forward/backward tiltthat is inherit in lobbing a projectile at a target/opponent.

In the sport of paintball, as the proficiency of the players grows, thepace of the game has increased. There by, amplifying the need for quickand easily understandable operational information and/or gameinformation. While some current paintball markers and/or currentassociated equipment provide some operational and/or game information,none provide the user their overall information picture, a means ofselecting the prudent information, and/or an effective means ofreceiving it. Further because of this increased game pace, the need forautomation of the loading sequence, from the player's on body storageharness and pods to the on accelerators hoppers has also been amplified.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present application discloses a linked controlsystem that automates the loading sequence from projectiles stored onthe player's body to the loader or hopper attached to a projectileaccelerator and controls one or more of operating parameters of a linkedprojectile accelerator, while keeping the player informed of needed gameand/or operational info. Other embodiments include unique apparatus,devices, systems, means, operational modes and/or methods for allowingan informed user to quickly and effectively maintain a supply ofprojectiles to a projectile accelerator. Further embodiments, forms,objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the presentapplication shall become apparent from the detailed description andfigures included herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in thefigures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 2 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 3 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 4 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerator.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c set forth rear views of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanism positioned in adifferent location.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanism positioned in adifferent location.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanism positioned in adifferent location.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorhaving a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having an assisted velocity adjustmentmechanism.

FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 18 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 20 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIGS. 21 a-21 c illustrates cross-sectional views of an adjustment dialof a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 22 a illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator in cross-sectional form having an assisted velocityadjustment mechanism.

FIG. 22 b illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator in cross-sectional form having an assisted velocityadjustment mechanism.

FIG. 22 c illustrates cross-sectional views of an adjustment dial of anassisted velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 23 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 24 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 25 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 26 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorbarrel in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 27 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorbarrel in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 28 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorbarrel in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 29 a illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including a barrel having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 29 b illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator barrel including a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 30 a illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism incross-sectional form.

FIG. 30 b illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism incross-sectional form.

FIG. 30 c illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism incross-sectional form.

FIG. 30 d illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism incross-sectional form.

FIG. 31 a illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including assisted velocity adjustment mechanisms incross-sectional form.

FIG. 31 b illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator having a velocity adjustment mechanism barrel and anassisted velocity adjustment mechanism in cross-sectional form.

FIG. 31 c illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms, one incross-sectional form.

FIG. 31 d illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms, one incross-sectional form.

FIG. 31 e illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms, one incross-sectional form.

FIG. 32 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 33 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 34 illustrates a gridded overhead view of a tournament paintballfield with players, target areas, and obstacles.

FIG. 35 a-35 b illustrates views of a portion of a player with acompressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted loadingmechanism.

FIG. 36 illustrates a portion of a player with a compressed gasprojectile accelerator including an assisted loading mechanism.

FIG. 37 a-37 e illustrates side views of compressed gas projectileaccelerators including assisted loading mechanisms.

FIG. 37 f illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator in front cross-sectional form having an assisted loadingmechanism.

FIG. 38 a-38 c illustrates side views of compressed gas projectileaccelerators including assisted loading mechanisms.

FIG. 39 a-39 d is cross-sectional views of illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerators including assisted loading mechanisms.

FIG. 40 a-40 c illustrates side views of compressed gas projectileaccelerators including assisted loading mechanisms.

FIG. 41 a is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerator.

FIG. 41 b illustrates a side view of compressed gas projectileaccelerator including an assisted loading mechanism.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerator.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerator.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerator.

FIG. 45 illustrates a player with a compressed gas projectileaccelerator and associated projectile equipment including a linkedinformational system.

FIG. 46 a illustrates a portion of a player with a compressed gasprojectile accelerator and associated projectile equipment including alinked informational system.

FIG. 46 b illustrates a portion of a player with a compressed gasprojectile accelerator and associated projectile equipment including alinked informational system.

FIG. 47 illustrates representative executable modules of an electroniccircuit board.

FIG. 48 illustrates representative executable modules of a lobbing modemodule.

FIG. 49 illustrates representative executable modules of a straight firemodule.

FIG. 50 illustrates representative executable modules of one form of thecompressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 51 a illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including linked assisted velocity adjustment mechanisms incross-sectional form.

FIG. 51 b illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including linked assisted velocity adjustment mechanisms incross-sectional form.

FIG. 52 a illustrates representative executable modules of one form ofthe compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 52 b illustrates representative executable modules of one form ofthe compressed gas projectile accelerator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention is illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

Referring to FIG. 1, a user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles orpaintballs at two respective targets 12 a, 12 b using a compressed gasprojectile accelerator or paintball marker 50. User 10 is shooting attarget 12 a with a marker 50 that is set or configured to expelpaintballs at target 12 a at an upper velocity setting, which cancomprise the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300 FPS. Asillustrated, since user 10 is a substantial distance from target 12 a,thus requiring the paintball to travel a greater distance (e.g.—200feet), the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced pathafter traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity onthe paintball.

As further illustrated, user 10 is somewhat closer to target 12 b who ishiding behind an obstacle 16, which is illustrated as a barrel forrepresentative purposes only. Also illustrated, user 10 firingpaintballs at target 12 b with marker 50 set at the upper velocitysetting. Obstacle 16 is providing cover for target 12 b making itextremely difficult, if not impossible, for user 10 to hit target 12 b.This is because the paintball will travel along a relatively straightpath 15 toward target 12 b thereby causing the paintball to strikeobstacle 16 and not target 12 b. Despite the effect that gravity has onthe paintball, at the maximum allowed velocity setting, paintballs areexpelled from the marker 50 along a relatively straight path over shortdistances.

Referring to FIG. 2, again user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles attwo respective targets 12 a, 12 b using a compressed gas projectileaccelerator 50. User 10 is shooting at target 12 a with a marker 50 thatis set or configured to expel paintballs at target 12 a at an uppervelocity setting, as described above.

Further, if user 10 was able, when engaging target 12 b, to lower thevelocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel of marker 50, aswell as adjust the angle of the barrel of marker 50 upward at apredetermined angle; the likelihood of user 10 being able to striketarget 12 b behind obstacle 16 with a paintball is greatly improved.This is because the paintball will travel along a substantially arcshaped path 18 as a function of the speed at which the paintball exitsthe barrel and the angle of the barrel. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 2, user 10 is capable of lobbing a paintball onto target 12 bthereby eliminating the player, which is illustrated as target 12 b.

Referring to FIG. 3, still again user 10 is illustrated firingprojectiles at two respective targets 12 a, 12 b using a compressed gasprojectile accelerator 50. User 10 is shooting at target 12 a with amarker 50 that is set or configured to expel paintballs at target 12 aat an upper velocity setting, as described above.

As in the above form, user 10 is lobbing paintballs on to target 12 bwith marker 50, also described above. Further, if user 10 was able toexpel a multiple of paintballs at said lower velocity, and in acontrolled velocity spread from the barrel of marker 50 to lets say, forexample, a 5 shot volley of 160-170-180-190-200 FPS. And adjust theangle of barrel of marker 50 upward at a predetermined angle as before,the likelihood of user 10 being able to strike target 12 b behindobstacle 16 with a paintball would greatly improve yet again. This isbecause the spread velocity of paintballs traveling along the enlargedarc shaped paths 18 would have greater and more uniformed area coverage,as a function of the fire mode of marker 50.

As those skilled in the art would recognize, delivering a controlledspread or volley of paintballs along the enlarged or substantially arcshaped paths 18 onto target 12 b would reduce the possible inaccuraciesor miscalculations of user 10 and/or marker 50. The controlled spread orvolley would also reduce the ability of target 12 b to react to or avoidthe incoming paintballs. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 3, user 10 iscapable of lobbing a spread of paintballs onto target 12 b therebyeliminating the player, which is illustrated as target 12 b.

Further, those skilled in the art would also recognize that differentarc angles and different lowered velocities can be used to lobpaintballs onto a target like target 12 b.

Referring to FIG. 4, yet again user 10 is illustrated firing projectilesat two respective targets 12 a, 12 b using a compressed gas projectileaccelerator 50. User 10 is shooting at target 12 a with a marker 50 thatis set or configured to expel paintballs at target 12 a at an uppervelocity setting, as described above.

As in the above forms, user 10 is lobbing paintballs on to target 12 bwith marker 50, also described above. Further again, if user 10 was ableto expel paintballs switching between the single velocity lobbing firemode 17 (see FIG. 2) and the multiple velocity spreader lobbing firemode 19 (see FIG. 3). And adjust the angle of barrel of marker 50 upwardat a predetermined angle as before, the likelihood of user 10 being ableto strike target 12 b behind obstacle 16 with a paintball would greatlyimprove further still. This is because the paintballs traveling alongthe arc shaped path 18 of the single velocity lobbing fire mode 17 wouldindicate to user 10 the flight path and its impact, and act as aspotting round. Thus, allowing user 10 to adjust marker 50 and/or thebarrel angle before firing in the velocity spreader fire mode 19.

Still further, in another form, if user 10 was able to combine thesingle velocity lobbing fire mode 17 and the multiple velocity spreaderlobbing fire mode 19 into a combination or singular fire mode—a spotterround velocity spreader fire mode, the likelihood of user 10 being ableto strike target 12 b behind obstacle 16 with a paintball would greatlyimprove yet again.

This is because, firing a lobbing spotter round in combination with acontrolled spread of paintballs of the velocity spreader mode along saidarc shaped paths 18 onto target 12 b would yet again, reduce thepossible inaccuracies or miscalculations of user 10 and/or marker 50, asbefore; while further reducing the ability of target 12 b to react to oravoid the incoming paintballs, due to the abbreviated time between saidfire modes.

Referring to FIG. 5, in this form paintball marker 50 includes an on thefly velocity adjustment mechanism 52. Velocity adjustment mechanism 52is operable or configured to allow user 10 to manually and/orselectively adjust the velocity setting at which paintballs are expelledfrom barrel 54 of marker 50. Marker 50 is operationally configured toexpel projectiles from barrel 54 at a range of velocities ranging froman upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In one form, theupper velocity setting corresponds to the maximum velocity at which apaintball is allowed to be expelled from barrel 54, which can be 300 FPSfor example. Further, in one form, the lower velocity settingcorresponds to the lowest possible or functional velocity setting atwhich marker 50 is capable of expelling a paintball from barrel 54.Different user preferred upper and lower velocity limit settings can beutilized in various other forms of the present invention.

In one form, marker 50 includes a housing or frame body 56, a grip framerail 58, a grip or grip frame 60, a trigger mechanism 62, and a feedtube 64 to which is connected a paintball hopper 63 (see e.g. FIG. 4).As illustrated, body 56 is connected with grip frame rail 58.Alternatively, grip frame rail 58 can be an integral part of body 56 orgrip frame 60. Barrel 54 is connected with one respective end of body 56and, in this illustrative form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52 isconnected with the opposite end of body 56. Feed tube 64, whichpaintball hopper 63 (see FIG. 4) is removably connected with and feedspaintballs to marker 50, is also integrated with or formed as a part ofbody 56. Trigger mechanism 62 is movably connected with grip frame rail58 or grip frame 60 and is configured to, with each trigger pull, expelone or more paintballs from barrel 54.

Marker 50 includes an electronic circuit board or controller 66connected with a power source 68. Although illustrated as being housedin grip frame 60, it should be appreciated that circuit board 66 andpower source 68 can be housed in other locations of marker 50. Powersource 68 is connected with circuit board 66 and provides power tocircuit board 66. As such, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 is disclosedin this representative form. Marker 50 further includes a trigger sensor70, a velocity or speed sensor 72, and a solenoid valve 74 that areconnected with circuit board 66.

Trigger sensor 70 is configured or operable to generate a trigger signalto indicate when trigger mechanism 62 is pulled by user 10. Triggersensor 70 can comprise an optical eye, a LED sensor, a magnetic sensor,a Hall effect sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. The triggersignal is sent to circuit board 66. In response to the trigger signal,circuit board 66 generates a solenoid firing signal that is sent tosolenoid valve 74, in one form. Upon receipt of the solenoid firingsignal, solenoid valve 74 is operable to release a predetermined amountof compressed gas, as a function of the trigger signal, to expel apaintball from marker 50.

In one form, after a predetermined amount of time, circuit board 66 cangenerate a solenoid deactivate signal sent to solenoid valve 74 therebystopping the release of compressed gas used to expel the paintball frombarrel 54 of marker 50. In another form, circuit board 66 deactivates orceases generating the trigger signal to stop solenoid valve 74 fromreleasing compressed gas from source 100 (see FIG. 7). As set forth ingreater detail below, depending on the respective firing mode thatmarker 50 is currently configured to operate in, circuit board 66 isconfigured to generate one or more solenoid signals to cause marker 50to expel one or more paintballs from barrel 54. In addition, circuitboard 66 is configured to selectively control or adjust the velocity atwhich paintballs are expelled from marker 50 by controlling the amountof volume of compressed gas used to expel paintballs. In one form, thisis accomplished by controlling the amount of time compressed gas isallowed to be released by solenoid valve 74 from source 100 (see FIG.7).

Speed sensor 72 can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED speedsensor, a sonic sensor, a radar, or any other suitable type of speedsensor. Speed sensor 72 and solenoid valve 74 can be housed in otherlocations of marker 50 other than in grip frame rail 58, as illustrated.Speed sensor 72 is configured or operable to generate a speed signalindicative of the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel54 of marker 50. The speed signal is directed to or detected by circuitboard 66, which is operable to adjust operation of solenoid valve 74 toadjust the velocity at which paintballs are fired according to variousfiring modes as a function of the speed signal.

A velocity controller 76 is connected with circuit board 66. Velocitycontroller 76 can comprise a plurality of push buttons, a dial, aslider, or other types of control mechanisms. In one form, velocitycontroller 76 is configured to allow user 10 to manually adjust thevelocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel 54 of marker 50.Circuit board 66 is configured to monitor the setting or position ofvelocity controller 76 and adjust the operation of marker 50 accordingto this setting. Velocity controller 76, in one form, is operable toadjust marker 50 to operate between a maximum or upper and minimum orlower velocity setting.

A breech sensor 78 is connected with circuit board 66 and is positionedalong breech 79. Breech sensor 78 can comprise a laser, an optical eye,a LED sensor, an infrared sensor, or any other suitable type of sensorfor indicating breech status or condition sensing. Breech sensor 78 canalso comprise a plurality or array of suitable sensors. Breech sensor 78is configured to monitor the status of a breech 79 of marker 50. Forexample, breech sensor 78 is configured to send a paintball loadedsignal to circuit board 66. In yet another form, breech sensor 78 isconfigured to send a breech obstruction signal to circuit board 66indicating a problem has occurred. In this example, circuit board 66 canbe configured to shut marker 50 down or cease operation until theproblem has been corrected.

A pressure sensor 46 is connected with circuit board 66. Pressure sensor46 can comprise an electronic sensor, pneumatic sensor, or any othersuitable type of pressure sensor. Pressure sensor 46 is configured tomonitor a pressure value associated with marker 50. In particular, inone form, pressure sensor 46 is configured to monitor the pressure valueat which compressed gas, supplied from compressed gas source 100 (seeFIG. 7), is being supplied to solenoid valve 74. As set forth in greaterdetail below, a pressure signal is sent to circuit board 66 frompressure sensor 46 which is in turn, configured to control the amount oftime solenoid valve 74 is opened during a firing operation at leastpartially as a function of the value of the pressure signal. Forexample, as marker 50 is operational and has fired several shots in arow, the pressure value of compressed gas available to solenoid valve 74to fire the next shot can decrease somewhat, thereby requiring a greatervolume of compressed gas to expel a paintball at a desired or controlledFPS value. Circuit board 66 is configured to increase the amount of timethat solenoid valve 74 is opened as a function of the desired FPS value(which can vary in different firing modes) and the compressed gaspressure value available to solenoid valve 74.

Circuit board 66 can also be configured to control various additionaloperating parameters of marker 50 as a function of signals received frompressure sensor 46. In one form, circuit board 66 is configured to placemarker 50 in a stand-by mode or shut marker 50 off if, for example, thesignal received from pressure sensor 46 indicates compressed gaspressure levels above a predetermined safe threshold or a predeterminedoperational threshold. While pressure sensor 46 is illustrated in thegrip frame rail 58, it should be appreciated that it can be positionedin other locations on marker 50.

In another form, a distance sensor 75 is connected with circuit board66. Distance sensor 75 can comprise a laser distance sensor, an opticaldistance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a range finder, or anyother suitable type of distance sensor. In this form, as user 10 aimsbarrel 54 at potential targets 12 a, 12 b, distance sensor 75 isconfigured to generate an electronic distance signal, which can be ananalog or digital signal, that is sent to circuit board 66. The distancesignal is indicative of the distance from marker 50 to one of therespective targets 12 a, 12 b.

Circuit board 66 is configured and operable to use the distance signalto calculate the velocity at which paintballs need to be expelled frommarker 50 and the angular tilt required for barrel 54 of marker 50 tolob or launch a volley or salvo of paintballs down field to striketarget 12 a, 12 b. In the alternative, circuit board 66 can beconfigured to automatically determine a proper velocity to expelpaintballs as a function of a tilt sensor signal received from tiltsensors 48 and the distance signal. In yet another form, distance sensor75 can include or be connected with a button 97 that selectivelytransmits a distance signal to circuit board 66 every time it is pressedby user 10.

Marker 50 can also include tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board66. Tilt sensors 48 are configured to sense or measure, in two axes inone form, the tilting of marker 50. In particular, tilt sensors 48 areused to monitor the angular position of barrel 54 in comparison to areference plane, which in this case comprises the ground G. Tilt sensors48 can comprise an electrolytic tilt sensor, an electronic clinometer orinclinometer, an accelerometer, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a gyrosensor, a full motion sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor.Although tilt sensors 48 are illustrated as being housed in grip frame60 and feed tube 64, it should be appreciated that these elements can belocated in other locations of marker 50.

In yet another form, one or more user controls 77 are connected withcircuit board 66. Controls 77 can comprise push button controls, dialcontrols, or any other suitable type of controls. In one form, controls77 provide manual control to user 10 for adjustment of one or more ofthe components or operations of marker 50. For example, controls 77 canfinely adjust or fine tune the operation of tilt sensors 48, triggersensor 70, distance sensor 75, velocity controller 76, and/or breechsensor 78. Further, controls 77 can be configured substitutable and/oralternate with the components or operations, for example, being a manualor overriding controller for tilt sensors 48.

Controls 77 can also be configured to operate as a manual distancecontroller, wherein controls 77 can be utilized to manually input adistance to a respective target 12 a, 12 b that is utilized by circuitboard 66. In addition, controls 77 can also be used to select differentfiring modes (e.g.—semi-automatic, automatic, three shot burst, fiveshot burst, lobbing mode, etc.). As such, in this form, controls 77inform circuit board 66 of the firing mode desired by user 10.

In one form, marker 50 includes an electronic velocity adjustmentmechanism. A velocity controller 76, which can comprise a push buttoncontrol, a dial control, a sliding control, or any other suitable typeof control, is connected with circuit board 66 for allowing a user toselectively set a velocity setting at which projectiles are expelledfrom barrel 54. For example, if velocity controller 76 comprises twobuttons (e.g.—a velocity up and a velocity down button), each press ofone of the respective buttons causes a signal to be sent to circuitboard 66. In response, circuit board 66 will either raise or lower thevelocity setting of marker 50 in predetermined increments (e.g.—5 FPS,10 FPS, and so forth). Controls 77 can be utilized to set the incrementsin which user 10 desires each button press to raise or lower thevelocity setting.

Velocity controller 76 can be configured as the primary velocityadjustment feature, as a secondary velocity adjustment feature, and/oras an additional velocity adjustment feature on marker 50. In one form,circuit board 66 is configured to not allow marker 50 to expelpaintballs above a predetermined maximum velocity or below apredetermined operational velocity. As such, regardless of how manytimes user 10 attempts to increase or decrease the velocity once one ofthese thresholds is reached; circuit board 66 is configured to ignorethe request. Although controls 77 and velocity controller 76 areillustrated as being housed in grip frame 60, it should be appreciatedthat these elements can be located in other locations of marker 50.

In one form, where the velocity setting is not permitted to go above apredetermined maximum value, circuit board 66 is configured to controlone or more operating parameters of solenoid 74 as a function of thevelocity setting. In particular, in one form, in response to the userselected velocity setting, circuit board 66 is operable to control thetimed release of compressed gas by solenoid 74 as a function of thevelocity setting. The higher the velocity setting, the longer circuitboard 66 will control solenoid 74 to release compressed gas to expel thepaintball from marker 50. As such, circuit board 66 controls thevelocity of the paintballs by controlling the volume of compressed gasthat is released by solenoid 74 during a firing operation.

In one form, like the above form, the velocity setting is not permittedto go above a predetermined maximum value, and circuit board 66 isconfigured with rounds per second (“RPS”) setting that does not permitmarker 50 to go above a predetermined maximum RPS value. Circuit board66 is configured to control one or more operating parameters of solenoid74 as a function of the velocity setting and/or the RPS setting. Again,controls 77 can be used to adjust the RPS setting (at least to an upperthreshold value) of marker 50.

As previously set forth, in some forms, marker 50 includes a velocity orspeed sensor 72 which is configured to allow circuit board 66 todetermine the velocity of projectiles exiting barrel 54 of marker 50.Circuit board 66 is adapted to adjust one or more operating parametersof marker 50, in one form the operating parameters of solenoid 74, as afunction of the velocity determination, the velocity setting and/or theRPS. Further, signals from speed sensor 72 can be utilized by circuitboard 66 to verify that a projectile was properly loaded and expelledfrom barrel 54, as well as, the RPS of projectiles being expelled.

Marker 50 can also include a breech sensor 78 connected with circuitboard 66. Breech sensor 78 is configured to permit determination ofbreech status, in one form, as a function of the velocity setting. Forexample, in the illustrated form breech sensor 78 is an array of sensorsarranged in breech 79 to determine or verify an operational members'position (e.g.—such as bolt 112 (see FIG. 11)) in respect to apaintball's position and/or any separation from the paintball. Circuitboard 66 can then control one or more operating parameters as it relatesto breech status and/or the velocity setting. Such as, for example;circuit board 66 can disregard an upcoming signal from speed sensor 72when a paintball, loaded in the breech 79, is separated from the bolt112 above a set threshold.

One or more conditional indicators 73 are also connected with circuitboard 66. Indicators 73 can comprise lights, LED's, indication displays,or any other suitable indicators or display device. Although indicators73 are illustrated as being on the rear of marker 50, it should beappreciated that they can be positioned in other locations on marker 50.Indicators 73 allow user 10 to monitor the operational status orparameters of marker 50. In addition, indicators 73 can also be used toinform the user of marker 50 of barrel 54 alignment in various firingmodes. Further, indicators 73 can also be used to inform the user of aproper velocity setting for marker 50.

Indicators 73 can be combined with and/or into other components orfeatures. For example, indicators 73 can be combined with breech sensor78. In one form, as illustrated, breech sensor 78 being an array ofsensors in breech 79 would give user 10 a representative external viewof breech 79, such as a paintball's position or the severity of a fouledbreech. Also, indicators 73 can be combined with velocity controller 76or controls 77 such that user 10 adjusts marker 50 with the indicators73 that are illuminated by circuit board 66.

As previously set forth, marker 50 includes tilt sensors 48 connectedwith circuit board 66. Circuit board 66 can be configured with a safetyfeature of one or more operating parameters of marker 50 as a functionof signals received from tilt sensors 48. For example, when marker 50 islaid down, is pointed straight up or straight down, circuit board 66,which is capable of sensing this angular orientation of marker 50 as afunction of a tilt sensor signal, can be configured to automaticallyplace marker 50 in a stand-by mode thereby disabling marker 50 fromexpelling projectiles. The stand-by mode can also be an energy savingmode.

Circuit board 66 can also be configured to control other operationalparameters of marker 50 as a function of a tilt sensor signal receivedfrom tilt sensors 48. For example, when marker 50 is positioned in orexceeds a predetermined angle in relation to ground G, circuit board 66is configured to switch or change firing modes or change the velocitysettings of marker 50. Controls 77 can also be configured to adjust orfine tune the signal (i.e.—the determined angle of marker 50) generatedby tilt sensors 48. Also, controls 77 may be configured as a manual modecontroller. In one form, user 10 can use controls 77 to set apredetermined angular setting indication thereby overriding thedetermination made by tilt sensors 48. Controls 77 when configured as amanual mode controller can be configured as a primary, secondary, oradditional mode controller.

In still another form, the projectile accelerator 50 includes a motionsensor 47 connected with circuit board 66. Motion sensor 47 can beconfigured to comprise an operational control of one or more operatingparameters. For example, when user 10 moves said marker 50 in presetand/or preprogrammed series of motions, actions, and/or gestures, marker50 would automatically switch fire modes. Gestures such as a quickbarrel flick left followed by a quick barrel flick upward wouldautomatically switch marker 50 from semi auto fire mode into full autofire mode. To further illustrate an example of a preprogrammed gesture;user 10 moves marker 50 in three quick horizontal motions—forwardthrust/backward thrust/forward thrust, marker 50 then automatically selfswitches from full automatic mode to burst fire mode. While motionsensor 47 is illustrated housed in the grip frame 60, it should beappreciated that it can be positioned in other locations on marker 50;said motion sensor 47 could comprise a manual sensor, electronic sensor,pneumatic sensor, or any other suitable type of motion sensor fordetecting and/or measuring the motion and/or movement of marker 50.Motion sensor 47 connected with circuit board 66 can be configured witha safety mode. For example, when motion sensor 47 senses a sudden and/orsevere impact, such as a fall, circuit board 66 can place marker 50 intoa stand by mode.

In yet another form, the projectile accelerator 50 includes adirectional/locational sensor 43 connected with circuit board 66.Directional/locational sensor 43 can be configured to comprise anoperational control of one or more operating parameters.Directional/locational sensor 43 can be configured to be preprogrammable and/or reprogrammable. For example, in the sport ofpaintball; the playing fields, of major tournament paintball events, arelaid out and/or designed prior to the event, for the teams to inspectand plan game strategy; with most major paintball events posting virtualfield layouts on the internet. Further; the players of the moreestablished teams, know well before game play begins what position onthe field they will be playing and what their responsibilities are. Alsoestablished players pretty much know, before play starts, what opponentsand bunkers they will be playing against. As such a player could preregister and/or pre program their marker to fit to the perceived playfor the beginning of a game. For example, an established player mightknow their starting position is behind their own back right cornerbunker; and must eliminate or pin down any opponents in the far left andright corner bunkers on the opposite end of the playing field. Saidestablished player also understands the low lay down bunker on the 50yard line in the center of the field is the biggest threat to their gameplan, if occupied by an opponent. Thus, said established playerconfigures his/her marker, before play starts, to automatically lobpaintballs at a set selected lower velocity setting when pointed at the50 yard line bunker. Also, said marker would shoot at the upper velocitysetting when pointed at the far opposing corner bunkers. Sincedirectional/locational sensor 43 was preregistered with the startingposition of said established player; once established player leaves hisstarting position or bunker, marker 50 would no longer lob paintballs,at the set lower velocity setting, when pointed in a directional headingthat matched the directional heading for the earlier 50 yard linelobbing shot.

In another form, directional/locational sensor 43 connected with circuitboard 66 of marker 50 could be programmed to automatically switch tostand by/off mode in the staging area or parking lot. While thedirectional/locational sensor 43 is illustrated being located on thefront of marker 50, it should be appreciated that it can be positionedin other locations on marker 50. Said directional/locational sensor 43could comprise a GPS sensor, magnetic sensor, I.R. sensor, R.F. sensor,or any other suitable type of sensor for the measuring and/or sensing ofsaid marker 50 positional direction or bearing; and/or its positionallocation.

In another form, projectile accelerator 50 includes a vibration/soundsensor 41 connected with circuit board 66. Vibration/sound sensor 41 canbe configured to comprise an operational control of one or moreoperating parameters. Also vibration/sound sensor 41 can be configuredto allow the gathering or collection of operational data for analysis orexamination by said user and/or marker technician. For example, in thesport of paintball, communication between team members is a veryimportant part of a winning strategy. While some paintball markers havegotten some what quieter in recent years, they can still be fairly loudindividually; but can be very loud collectively, when all the markers ona playing field are firing during a game. Also having the player's ownfiring paintball marker close to the player's own head and ears, whilesaid player is wearing protective goggles with ear protection, makeshearing other team members difficult at times. The games can be so loudthat players have to yell information and/or instruction to fellow teammembers, causing most teams to develop and use codes knowing theopposing team might hear said information and/or instruction. Furtherstill, established team members sometimes relay said information and/orinstruction across the field from one team member to other team members.This noisy environment or situation could make for unsafe fieldconditions, and makes controlling the game difficult for fieldofficials/referees.

The vibrations from the firing markers are also a concern. Thevibrations from a firing marker not only produce unwanted noise, saidvibrations produce unwanted wear and tear on both the player and saidmarker. These vibrations also influence the marker's velocityconsistency and/or accuracy. While some vibrations are inherit to thedesign of the marker, other vibrations are from mistuned markers and/ormarker operations. Still other vibrations develop during a game. Suchas, different members or components of a marker can loosen during thefiring of said marker causing even more vibrations. For example, it'scommon for experienced players to reach down and twist their marker'sbarrel before a game starts. These experienced players are reseating oraffixing their barrel that might have unscrewed or vibrated loose duringthe pre game testing; some experienced players even twist their barrelsduring a game.

Vibration/sound sensor 41 can be configured to allow the collection ofoperational data for analysis off the playing field. Vibration/soundsensor 41 connected with circuit board 66, can indicate increasedvibrations, audible level noises, inaudible noises and/or sub levelnoise levels through indicators 73; such as a barrel vibrating loose, asdetailed above. Further, vibration/sound sensor 41 could be configuredto adjust and/or change one or more of operating parameters throughcircuit board 66. In one form, the operating parameters of the solenoidvalve 74 could be adjusted and/or changed by vibration/sound sensor 41through circuit board 66. For example, vibration/sound sensor 41connected with circuit board 66 detects exceptionally high sub levelnoises and/or vibrations when user 10 reaches the set RPS limit (i.e. 13balls/rounds per second), thus the RPS limit is lowered by circuit board66, (i.e. 11 balls/rounds per second) where said sub level noises and/orvibrations are at acceptable levels. Vibration/sound sensor 41 couldcomprise a sonic sensor, audio sensor, acoustic sensor, vibrationsensitive sensor or any other suitable type of sensor for the measuringand/or sensing acoustical sounds and/or vibrations of said marker 50.Vibration/sound sensor 41 can be housed in other locations of marker 50than in grip frame rail 58, as illustrated.

In yet another form, projectile accelerator 50 includes avibration/sound sensor 41 which can be connected with circuit board 66or can have a separate controller and/or circuit board. Alsovibration/sound sensor 41 can be connected to a separate power source.Vibration/sound sensor 41 could be configured to include acousticalsending and/or output members and/or devices; as well as, vibrationsending and/or output members and/or devices. Further, said acousticaland/or vibration output devices can be included into or housed in othercomponents of marker 50, while still being connected to vibration/soundsensor 41. Further still, vibration/sound sensor 41 with said connectedacoustical and/or vibration output devices could be configured tocomprise the sending and/or transmitting anti sound waves and/or soundcanceling signals; as well as, the sending and/or transmitting antivibration waves and/or vibration canceling signals.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 6 a-6 c, a rear view of onerepresentative form of marker 50 is depicted to better illustrate oneform of velocity adjustment mechanism 52. In this form, velocityadjustment mechanism 52 includes a primary and/or main velocity adjustor80. Main velocity adjustor 80 is configured to adjust a velocity settingof marker 50. In particular, main velocity adjustor 80 is designed toconfigure marker 50 so that marker 50 cannot expel paintballs above apredetermined upper or maximum velocity setting, which, for illustrativepurposes only, is 300 FPS. In this illustrative example, main velocityadjustor 80 comprises an allen head screw configured to adjustablycontrol the upper velocity setting of marker 50. For example, adjustmentof main velocity adjustor 80, by tightening or loosening main velocityadjustor 80, increases or decreases the maximum velocity setting ofmarker 50.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes an adjustment device or member82 that is connected with main velocity adjustor 80. In this form,adjustment device 82 comprises a lever selector that is secured to mainvelocity adjustor 80 with a retention member or set screw 84. Adjustmentdevice 82 includes an aperture 85 that fits around an outside diameterof main velocity adjustor 80. Once main velocity adjustor 80 is set tocause marker 50 to function at the user preferred or authorized uppervelocity setting, which is just below 300 FPS in this example, leverselector 82 is positioned about a dial 86 in a user selected positionand then set screw 84 is used to tightly secure lever selector 82 tomain velocity adjustor 80. In this example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 a,user 10 has selected a twelve o-clock position for lever selector 82 asthe setting for the maximum or upper velocity setting.

In order to prevent user 10 from being able to turn lever selector 82clockwise, thereby increasing the velocity at which a projectile may beexpelled, lever selector 82 must be restricted. As previously discussed,any velocity setting above the upper or maximum velocity setting, wouldcause marker 50 to be viewed as a “hot marker” as understood by thoseskilled in the art. In this example, dial 86 includes a plurality ofapertures 88 that are positioned around a circumference or perimeter ofdial 86. A blocking pin 90 is positioned or placed in a respectiveaperture 88 immediately next to lever 82 to prevent lever selector 82from being rotated any further in the clockwise direction. As such, thisprevents user 10 from being able to adjust the velocity setting ofmarker 50 above the upper velocity setting. This is an important featureas user 10 would not be allowed to use marker 50 on the playing field ifhe/she was capable of adjusting marker 50 to shoot above the maximumallowed velocity setting.

In this form, as user 10 rotates lever selector 82 counterclockwise, thevelocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel 54 of marker 50begins to decrease. For example, at the setting illustrated in FIG. 6 b,marker 50 is set to expel paintballs at an intermediate or transitionalFPS setting. The further lever selector 82 is adjusted counterclockwise,the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from marker 50 decreasesuntil, as illustrated in FIG. 6 c, lever selector 82 reaches a lowestfunctional or lower velocity setting. In FIG. 6 c, the lower velocitysetting is controlled by placement of pin 92 in a user 10 selectedaperture 88 of dial 86.

During operation, lever selector 82 will hit or bump up against pins 90and 92, which does not allow lever selector 82 to be adjusted anyfurther beyond the upper and lower velocity settings. Selector 82 canalso include a detainment mechanism, which is a detent 94 in thisexample, that is located in alignment with apertures 88 on dial 86 tohelp temporarily secure said selector 82 in place once a velocitysetting is chosen by user 10. Pins 90, 92 can comprise standard pins,set screws, or any other type of equivalent device that will restrictmovement of lever selector 82 beyond the upper and lower velocitysettings. Apertures 88 can be threaded and in one form, dial 86 isconnected to body 56 (see FIG. 10) of marker 50 and in another form,dial 86 is formed as an integral part of body 56, pressure regulator 106(see FIG. 8), compressed gas adapter 102 (see FIG. 9), or othercomponents of marker 50 as disclosed herein.

In another form, a rear view of electro-pneumatic marker 50 is depicted.Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 comprises a main velocity adjustor 80,selector 82, set screw 84, aperture 85, dial 86, apertures 88, blockingpin 90, blocking pin 92, and detent 94, as disclosed in the aboveform(s). Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 also comprises indicators 73connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5). Indicators 73 can compriseany suitable indicators, as described above and/or as illustrated FIGS.5, 6 a-6 c. Indicators 73 can be configured as part of and/or withcontrols 77. Furthermore, in one form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52comprises situational connecters, connectors, or links 44 and 45, asillustrated in FIG. 6 b, connected with circuit board 66. Situationalconnecters or links 44 and 45 can comprise optical eyes, electriccontacts, magnetic sensors; or any other suitable type of sensors,contactor, and/or link. Connectors 44 and 45 cooperate to generate anelectric output signal that informs circuit board 66 of the velocitysetting of marker 50. Connector 44 and connectors 45 are illustrated onselector 82 and dial 86, but it should be appreciated that it can bepositioned in other locations on marker 50.

Referring to FIG. 7, a side view of one illustrative form of marker 50is illustrated showing velocity adjustment mechanism 52 located directlyon marker 50. In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52 isillustrated as being located or positioned at the back or rear of body56; however, those skilled in the art should appreciate that thevelocity adjustment mechanism can be located at several other positionson marker 50. Marker 50 includes a compressed gas source 100, which cancontain compressed air, CO₂, nitrogen, or any other type of suitablecompressed gas, which is removably connected with a compressed gasadapter 102 of marker 50. The compressed gas is used to expelprojectiles from barrel 54 of marker 50.

In this illustrated form, a gas line 104 connects an output ofcompressed gas adapter 102 to a pressure regulator 106. Compressed gasfrom compressed gas source 100 is in communication with pressureregulator 106. Pressure regulator 106 prevents gas pressures from risingabove a predetermined threshold level before entering marker 50, toprevent damage of the internal components of marker 50. Pressureregulator 106 includes an adjustment knob 108 that provides foradjustment of one or more operating parameters of pressure regulator106.

Referring to FIG. 8, in this representative form, velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 is configured as an integral part of pressure regulator106. As such, movement of selector 82 on regulator 106 between an upperset point and a lower set point will cause marker 50 to expelprojectiles from barrel 54 between a maximum or upper velocity settingand a minimum or lower velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 9, in this representative form, velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 has been incorporated as a component of compressed gasadapter 102. Movement of selector 82 on compressed gas adapter 102between an upper set point and a lower set point will cause marker 50 toexpel projectiles from barrel 54 between an upper velocity setting and alower velocity setting. All of the features discussed above withreference to FIGS. 6 a-6 c are hereby incorporated by reference into therepresentative forms set forth in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

Referring to FIG. 10, in this representative form, velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 is mounted on a side of marker 50. Selector 82 isillustrated as being set at the maximum velocity setting. Rotation ofselector 82 clockwise causes main velocity adjustor 80 to block a gaspassage in marker 50 thereby allowing user 10 to incrementally reducethe velocity of paintballs that are expelled from barrel 54. For thesake of brevity, those skilled in the art should recognize that theremaining features of marker 50 and velocity adjustment mechanism 52 arethe same as those set forth with respect to FIGS. 6 a-6 c.

Referring to FIG. 11, another representative form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 110. In thisrepresentative example, marker 50 includes a bolt 112 that travels backand forth along a longitudinal axis in a bolt chamber or bore 114 insidebody 56 of marker 50. Bolt 112 includes a gas passage 116 through whichcompressed gas passes in order to expel paintballs from barrel 54. Asbolt 112 travels forward, a gas port 118 in bolt 112 reaches a valvepassage 120. During operation, once trigger mechanism 62 is pressed,trigger mechanism 62 releases a hammer 122 that travels forward underthe pressure or force provided by a hammer spring 124. Said tensionforce of hammer spring 124 is adjusted with main velocity adjustor 302housed in hammer spring end cap 182. After traveling a predetermineddistance, hammer 122 strikes a respective end of a valve 126, therebyactuating valve 126.

Actuation of valve 126 causes compressed gas, which is stored in acompressed gas storage chamber 128 on an opposite side of valve 126, tovent through valve passage 120 into gas passage 116 of bolt 112 throughgas port 118. It should be appreciated that bolt 112 and hammer 122 movetogether and gas port 118 is positioned on bolt 112 such that gas port118 is aligned with valve passage 120 when hammer 122 strikes valve 126.A bolt and hammer connecting pin 127 is used to connect bolt 112 withhammer 122. As such, compressed gas is permitted to travel fromcompressed gas storage chamber 128 to valve passage 120 and then intogas passage 116 of bolt 112 via gas port 118. This compressed gas isthen used to expel a paintball from the barrel 54. After compressed gasis expelled from chamber 128, a spring 129 connected to an end of valve126 forces valve 126 shut or closed, thereby stopping the flow ofcompressed gas through valve passage 120. At the same time compressedgas is passed through passage 120, compressed gas is also directed to ahammer chamber 131, which causes hammer 122 and bolt 112 to recoil foranother shot.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, an adjustable relief valve 130 is a ventingmechanism connected with an exposed end of bolt 112. Adjustable reliefvalve 130 is used to control or limit the pressure that is supplied fromthe flow of compressed gas utilized to expel paintballs from barrel 54.As such, when compressed gas is introduced to gas passage 116 of bolt112, compressed gas travels forward to expel a paintball from barrel 54and backwards towards venting mechanism on end 134 of bolt 112.Depending on the desired velocity setting, a predetermined amount ofcompressed gas will vent through velocity adjustment mechanism 110.Adjustable relief valve 130 includes an adjustment mechanism 136, a knobor wheel in this illustrative example, that allows user 10 to adjustvelocity settings between the maximum or upper velocity setting and theminimum or lower velocity setting.

In another form, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 is represented. Ventingmechanism of velocity adjustment mechanism 110 is electronicallycontrolled; in one form, by circuit board 66, described above (see FIG.5). In yet another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 110 ofelectro-pneumatic marker 50 is pneumatically controlled; in one form, bysolenoid valve 74 connected to circuit board 66.

Referring to FIG. 12, in yet another illustrative form, marker 50includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 110 located on body 56. Inparticular, velocity adjustment mechanism 110 is a venting mechanismlocated at an end 150 of barrel 54. In this form, bolt 112 does nottravel completely to end 150 of barrel 54. As such, a gap exists betweenan end 152 of bolt 112 and end 150 of barrel 54 during a firingoperation such that a seal is not formed between barrel 54 and bolt 112.Body 56 includes a gas port 154 that is connected with a ventingmechanism, which is an adjustable relief valve 156 in this form. As withthe previous form, during a firing operation, compressed gas travelsthrough gas passage 116. A predetermined amount of this compressed gasis redirected into gas port 154 and is vented through adjustable reliefvalve 156. Velocity adjustment mechanism 110 includes a knob 158 that isused by user 10 to control the amount of compressed gas that is releasedfrom adjustable relief valve 156. Adjustable relief valve 156 is thuscapable of allowing marker 50 to expel projectiles between a maximum orupper velocity setting and a minimum or lower velocity setting.

In another form, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 is represented. Ventingmechanism of velocity adjustment mechanism 110 is electronicallycontrolled; in one form, by circuit board 66, described above (see FIG.5). In yet another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 110 ofelectro-pneumatic marker 50 is pneumatically controlled; in one form, bysolenoid valve 74 connected to circuit board 66.

Referring to FIG. 13, in yet another form, bolt 112 includes a gaspassage 116 that includes input port 118 and an output port 160, inaddition to a port 162 used to expel paintballs from barrel 54. Body 56includes a gas port 164 that aligns with output port or vent 160 of bolt112 during a firing operation and redirects a predetermined amount ofcompressed gas to a venting mechanism. As with the previous forms,marker 50 includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 166, which comprisesan adjustable relief valve 168 that acts or functions as the ventingmechanism. In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism 166 is locatedbehind feeder 64 in body 56. Adjustable relief valve 168 includes a knob170 that is used by user 10 to control the amount of compressed gas thatis released from adjustable relief valve 168. Adjustable relief valve168 is thus capable of allowing marker 50 to expel projectiles between amaximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting.

In another form, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 is represented. Ventingmechanism of velocity adjustment mechanism 166 is electronicallycontrolled; in one form, by circuit board 66, described above (see FIG.5). In yet another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 166 ofelectro-pneumatic marker 50 is pneumatically controlled; in one form, bysolenoid valve 74 connected to circuit board 66.

Referring to FIG. 14 a, a portion of another representative marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 180. In thisrepresentative form, a hammer spring end cap 182 is connected with anend 184 of body 56. Hammer spring end cap 182 can be threadablyconnected with body 56 or friction fit with body 56. A threaded end 185of a main velocity adjustor 186 is secured in a threaded aperture 188 ofhammer spring end cap 182. Main velocity adjustor 186 has an unthreadedend 190 that extends from threaded end 185 into the body 56 of marker 50and includes a spring retention collar 192. An end 194 of hammer spring124 fits around unthreaded end 190 of main velocity adjustor 186 andrests against collar 192. A portion of main velocity adjustor 186 fitswithin a retention aperture 196 of end cap 182.

In this form, main velocity adjustor 186 is used to set the maximum orupper velocity setting by adjustment of main velocity adjustor 186 inend cap 182. Main velocity adjustor 186 is used to adjust the tension onhammer spring 124. The more tension that is applied to hammer spring 124(i.e.—by screwing main velocity adjustor 186 further into end cap 182),the harder hammer 122 strikes valve 126 during a firing operation. Theharder hammer 122 strikes valve 126, the longer valve 126 is activatedand a greater volume of compressed gas is released from valve 126,thereby expelling paintballs from barrel 54 at a higher velocity.Likewise, loosening main velocity adjustor 186, which lessens thetension applied to hammer 122 by spring 124, causes hammer 122 to strikevalve 126 with less force during a firing operation. This causes aquicker activation of valve 126 and a release of a lesser gas volumeduring a firing operation, thereby expelling paintballs from barrel 54at a lower velocity.

As with the form illustrated in FIGS. 6 a-6 c, this form can include anadjustment device 82 (e.g.—a selector lever). Once main velocityadjustor 186 has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocitylevel or setting, selector 82 can be connected with or adjusted on mainvelocity adjustor 186. Although dial 86 is not included in this form, itcould be connected with end cap 182. In this form, end cap 182 includesapertures 88. As with the forms disclosed in FIGS. 6 a-6 c, pins or setscrews 90 and 92 can be positioned in apertures 88 to ensure thatselector 82 cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or belowthe minimum or lower velocity setting. See FIGS. 6 a-6 c. Set screw 84is used to secure selector 82 to main velocity adjustor 186.

Referring to FIG. 15, a portion of an electro-pneumatic marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 180. In thisrepresentative form, a hammer spring end cap 182 includes an electricthreaded shaft motor or actuator 195. In another form, motor/actuator195 is configured or constructed to interchange with or replace end cap182. Threaded shaft 186 of electric actuator 195, (like main velocityadjustor 186 of FIG. 14), includes a threaded end 185 that is positionedin a threaded aperture 188 of hammer spring end cap 182. Threaded shaftadjustor 186 has an unthreaded end 190 that extends from threaded end185 into the body 56 of marker 50 and includes a spring retention collar192. An end 194 of hammer spring 124 fits around unthreaded end 190 ofmain velocity adjustor 186 and rests against collar 192. A portion ofthreaded shaft adjustor 186 fits within a retention aperture 196 of endcap 182, as in the above form.

In this form, like the above form (see FIG. 14), threaded shaft adjustor186 is used to set the maximum or upper velocity setting by adjustmentof threaded shaft adjustor 186 in end cap 182. Said adjustment ofthreaded shaft adjustor 186 in end cap 182 can be made by actuator 195through wiring harness 197 to connected circuit board 66 with velocitycontroller 76 and/or controls 77, in one form (see FIG. 5). Also, saidadjustment of threaded shaft adjustor 186 in end cap 182 can be mademanually; in one form, through allen head screw end, as described above(see FIG. 6 a-6 c). Threaded shaft adjustor 186 is used to adjust thetension on hammer spring 124. The more tension that is applied to hammerspring 124 (i.e.—by screwing threaded shaft adjustor 186 further intoend cap 182), the harder hammer 122 strikes valve 126 during a firingoperation. The harder hammer 122 strikes valve 126, the longer valve 126is activated and a greater volume of compressed gas is released fromvalve 126, thereby expelling paintballs from barrel 54 at a highervelocity. Likewise, loosening threaded shaft adjustor 186, which lessensthe tension applied to hammer 122 by spring 124, causes hammer 122 tostrike valve 126 with less force during a firing operation. This causesa quicker activation of valve 126 and a release of a lesser gas volumeduring a firing operation, thereby expelling paintballs from barrel 54at a lower velocity.

Again, as with the forms illustrated in FIGS. 6 a-6 c and FIG. 14, thisform can include an adjustment device 82 (e.g.—a selector lever). Oncethreaded shaft adjustor 186 has been set to expel projectiles at anupper velocity level or setting, selector 82 can be connected with oradjusted on threaded shaft adjustor 186. Although dial 86 is notincluded in this form, it could be connected with end cap 182. In thisform, end cap 182 includes apertures 88. As with the forms disclosed inFIGS. 6 a-6 c, pins or set screws 90 and 92 can be positioned inapertures 88 to ensure that selector 82 cannot be adjusted above theupper velocity setting or below the minimum or lower velocity setting.See FIGS. 6 a-6 c. Set screw 84 is used to secure selector 82 tothreaded shaft adjustor 186. Adjustment device 82 can be, in one form, amanual velocity adjustor or over riding velocity adjustor. Further inone form, selector 82 secured to threaded shaft adjustor 186 will hit orbump up against pins 90 and 92, as described above (see FIG. 6 a-6 c);and prevent the adjustment of threaded shaft adjustor 186 bymotor/actuator 195 beyond the upper and lower velocity settings.Although illustrated as being housed in spring end cap 182, it should beappreciated that actuator 195 can be housed in other locations of marker50. Also, actuator 195 can be connected to a separate controller and/orpower source through wiring harness 197. Electric actuator 195 cancomprise a servo, solenoid, stepper motor, indirect drive motor, directdrive motor, ball screw drive, worm gear drive or any other suitabletype of motor, drive, and/or actuator.

Further, as those skilled in the art would recognize, electric actuator195 can be alternated or substituted with pneumatic and/or hydraulicmotors, drives, and/or actuators. Said pneumatic/hydraulic motors,drives, and/or actuators can comprise a servo, solenoid, fluidic muscleactuator, indirect drive actuator, direct drive actuator, ball screwdrive, vane actuator, rotary vane motor, multi stage cylinder or anyother suitable type of motor, drive, and/or actuator. Pneumatic actuator195 can be activated and/or controlled by solenoid valve 74, connectedwith circuit board 66, in one form; and activated and/or controlled byan independent or secondary solenoid valve, in another form.

Referring to FIG. 16, in this form, marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 200 that adjusts the tension applied by spring 129to valve 126. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the velocityadjustment mechanism 200 can be configured additionally on marker 50with or without the above described main velocity adjustor 186 (see FIG.14), main velocity adjustor 302 (see FIG. 11), or main velocity adjustor80 (see FIG. 6 a-6 c). Velocity adjustor 202 is positioned in a valvespring retention member 204. Retention member 204 is connected with body56 and is positioned in chamber 128. Velocity adjustor 202 includes athreaded end 206, a sealing member 208, an extension member 210, and acollar 212. Threaded end 206 is threaded into an internally threadedaperture 214 of retention member 204 and transitions into sealing member208. Sealing member 208 includes one or more seals 216 that form a fluidtight seal between sealing member 208 and an internal bore 218 ofretention member 204. Extension member 210 extends away from sealingmember 208 inside internal bore 218 and transitions into collar 212. Anend 220 of spring 129 is connected with collar 212 and an opposite end222 of spring 129 is connected with an end of valve 126.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 200 works in conjunction with hammer 122in this form. Velocity adjustment mechanism 200 is used to adjust theforce applied to the end of valve 126. The more force that is applied tovalve 126, the faster valve 126 shuts after being struck by hammer 122.As such, as threaded end 206 is tightened into retention member 204,more force is applied to valve 126 by spring 129. Likewise, as threadedend 206 is loosened from retention member 204, less force is applied tovalve 126. The faster valve 126 closes, the less volume of compressedgas is allowed to pass through valve 126 to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 of marker 50. As such, adjustment of threaded end 206 to apredetermined location or setting allows user 10 to set an uppervelocity setting. As with the previous embodiments, velocity adjustmentdevice 82 can then be used to raise and lower the velocity at whichpaintballs are expelled from barrel 54.

As those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator 195 (see FIG. 15)is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism 200. For example, if valvespring retention member 204 extended outward in length, as well as,threaded end 206 of velocity adjustor 202; actuator 195 could be housedin valve spring retention member 204 as illustrated in FIG. 15. Allother features of this form remain the same as previously set forth withrespect to FIGS. 6 a-6 c, 14, and 15.

Referring to FIG. 17, in this form, marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 250 that adjusts the volume of gas and the tensionon spring 129 to control the force at which a paintball is expelled frombarrel 54. Velocity adjustment mechanism 250 includes a velocityadjustor 252 that is threaded into body 56 of marker 50. In particular,velocity adjustor 252 is threaded into chamber 128 of marker 50.Velocity adjustor 252 includes a threaded segment 254, an extensionsegment 256, and a spring receiving segment 258. Threaded segment 254 isthreaded into an internally threaded segment 260 of bore 253.

Extension segment 256 extends away from threaded segment 254 apredetermined distance into bore 253. At an opposite end of extensionsegment 256 is a spring receiving segment 258. Spring receiving segment258 includes an aperture 262 that receives a first end 264 of spring129. A second end 266 of spring 129 is connected with or engages an end268 of valve 126. At least one seal 278 is positioned between springreceiving segment 258 and bore 253 to provide a fluid tight seal forchamber 128, which is defined by bore 253, spring receiving segment 258and valve 126.

In this form, chamber 128 comprises a compressed gas storage chamberthat is refilled with compressed gas after each shot. The compressed gashas a predetermined pressure level, which is controlled by regulator106, and a predetermined volume. While the pressure level does notchange, velocity adjustment mechanism 250 is configured to change thevolume or amount of compressed gas that is stored in chamber 128. Inaddition, the tension on spring 129 is also adjusted which, in turn,changes the amount of force applied to end 266 of spring 129.

During setup, velocity adjustor 252 is configured to allow marker 50 toexpel paintballs from barrel 54 at a maximum or upper velocity setting.As with the previous forms, adjustment device or selector 82 allows user10 to adjust operation of marker 50 between the upper velocity settingand the lower velocity setting. Tightening, or screwing in velocityadjustor 252, increases the tension on spring 129, thereby causing valve126 to close faster when hammer 122 strikes valve 126, as well asdecreases the volume of chamber 128.

Loosening velocity adjustor 252 decreases the force placed on valve 126and increases the volume of chamber 128 (i.e.—thereby allowing morecompressed gas into chamber 128), which allows paintballs to be expelledfrom barrel 54 at a higher or increased velocity. Movement of adjustmentdevice 82 tightens and loosens velocity adjustor 252, thereby allowingadjustment of marker 50 between the upper velocity setting and lowervelocity setting. As with the representative form set forth with respectto FIGS. 6 a-6 c, 14 and 15, movement of adjustment device 82 isprevented from occurring above or below the upper velocity setting andlower velocity setting.

As with FIG. 16, those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator 195(see FIG. 15) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism 250. Forexample, in one form, if the outer diameter of velocity adjustor 252 wasreduced and threaded, on outer end of velocity adjustor 252 (end underbarrel 54); and actuator 195 could be housed and/or secured in bore 253as illustrated in FIG. 15. All other features of this form remain thesame as previously set forth with respect to FIGS. 6 a-6 c, 14, and 15.

Referring to FIG. 18, yet another form of marker 50 is illustrated thatincludes a velocity adjustment mechanism 300. In this form, a firstvelocity adjustor 302 is used to set marker 50 to operate at the maximumor upper velocity setting. This is accomplished by adjusting the tensionor force applied to hammer 122 by spring 124 similar to the mannerdescribed above. During this adjustment, velocity adjustment mechanism300 is positioned such that a gas chamber blocker 304 is located in afully closed or forward position. The outer diameter of gas chamberblocker 304 includes a seal 306 that forms a fluid tight seal with arear gas chamber 308 in bolt 112.

A rear portion of bolt 112 includes an aperture 310 running from an openend 312 of bolt 112 to rear gas chamber 308. A rod 314 is connected withgas chamber blocker 304 and runs through the rear end of bolt 112 out ofopen end 312. A portion 316 of the rear end of bolt 112 containsinternal threads and a portion 318 of the end of rod 314 containsexternal threads. An adjustment knob 320 is connected with the exposedend of rod 314.

Adjustment knob 320 is used to screw rod 314 in and out of bolt 112.When adjustment knob 320 is in the fully closed position, gas chamberblocker 304 blocks or closes off chamber 308. As adjustment knob 320 isunscrewed or adjusted outwardly, more of chamber 308 becomes exposedthereby increasing the total volume of gas passage 116. In this form,during a firing operation, valve 126 is configured to release a setamount of compressed gas at a set pressure. As the bolt air chamber, ortotal size of gas passage 116, increases with the rearward adjustment ofrod 314, moving gas chamber blocker 304 further back into gas chamber308, the velocity of the paintball during a firing operation decreases.This allows user 10 to adjust marker 50 to expel paintballs between theupper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting through theadjustment of knob 320.

Again, those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator 195 (see FIG.15) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism 300. For example, inone form, actuator 195 could be housed and/or secured in rear end ofbolt 112 near open end 312, with portion 318 of the end of rod 314threading through actuator 195. Since the upper velocity setting, inthis form, is set with main velocity adjustor 302 with gas chamberblocker 304 in the forward or closed position, as described above.Velocity of marker 50 can be adjusted between the upper velocity settingand lower velocity setting with actuator 195 of velocity adjustmentmechanism 300 by, in this form, increasing or decreasing the volume ofgas chamber 308 and/or gas passage 116. Actuator 195, in one form, isconnected with circuit board 66, and/or as described in FIG. 15. Also,said adjustment of gas chamber blocker 304 can still be made manually;in one form, through the adjustment of knob 320.

Further, as those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator 195 canbe configured pneumatically, as described above (see FIG. 15), andcontrolled by solenoid valve 74, connected with circuit board 66, in oneform. Thus, gas chamber 308 can be increased and/or decreasedpneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumaticmarker 50 between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocitysetting.

Referring to FIG. 19, yet another representative marker 50 is disclosedthat includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 350. This form is similarto that disclosed with respect to FIG. 18 except that instead of thevolume adjustment occurring in connection with bolt 112, it takes placewith respect to valve 126. Once the upper velocity setting is set usingfirst or main velocity adjustor 302, as described above, velocityadjustment mechanism 350 can be used to adjust the velocity settingbetween the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. Inthis form, a forward end of body 56 includes a longitudinal bore 354that houses valve 126.

A valve plug 356 is secured in bore 354 that defines a rear gas chamber358 b and a forward gas chamber 358 a, which together define a gasstorage chamber. In this form, valve plug 356 includes an outer threadedportion 360 that is threaded into an internally threaded portion 362 ofbore 354. Valve plug 356 also includes a spring retention member 364that includes an aperture 366. An end 368 of spring 129 rests against arespective surface of spring retention member 364. At least one seal 369is used to provide a fluid tight seal between bore 354 and valve plug356. A valve 370, which can comprise a solenoid valve, is used toselectively supply compressed gas to the rear gas chamber 358 b andforward gas chamber 358 a.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 350 includes a velocity adjustor 352.Velocity adjustor 352 includes an outer threaded portion 372 thatengages an inner threaded portion 374 of valve plug 356. Velocityadjustor 352 includes a gas chamber blocker 376. An outer diameter ofgas chamber blocker 376 includes a seal 378 that forms a fluid tightseal between gas chamber blocker 376 and an inner wall of rear gaschamber 358 b. Velocity adjustor 352 also includes an adjustment knob380 that extends or is positioned outwardly from the end of valve plug356.

When marker 50 is being adjusted for use or play, velocity adjustor 352is secured or screwed all the way into rear gas chamber 358 b as far aspossible. Valve plug 354 includes a gas supply aperture 382 that is inalignment with a gas supply passage 384. In this example, gas chamberblocker 376 is in approximate alignment with gas supply aperture 382.Once velocity adjustor 352 is in the forward most position, first/mainvelocity adjustor 302 is used to set the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50.

During play, user 10 can lower the velocity setting of marker 50 byunscrewing or adjusting the position of velocity adjustor 352. Adjustingthe position of velocity adjustor 352 outwardly by turning knob 380,increases the volume of rear gas chamber 358 b. Since compressed gas issupplied to the gas storage chamber, which as previously set forthcomprises rear gas storage chamber 358 b and forward gas storage chamber358 a, at a set pressure and set volume, increasing the volume of thegas storage chamber causes a decrease in velocity of paintballs that areexpelled from barrel 54.

Yet again, those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator 195 (seeFIG. 15) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism 350. For example,in one form, actuator 195 could be housed and/or secured in valve plug356 and adjust velocity adjustor 352, which includes gas chamber blocker376. As such, actuator 195 of velocity adjustment mechanism 350 canincrease or decrease the volume of the gas storage chamber, thus in oneform, increasing or decreasing the velocity of electro-pneumatic marker50 between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting.Those skilled in the art would again recognize, velocity adjustmentmechanism 350 with actuator 195 can be configured pneumatically, asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18.

Referring to FIG. 20, a portion of yet another form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes another representative form of a velocityadjustment mechanism 400. Velocity adjustment mechanism 400 includes adial selector, which in this form comprises an adjustable gas passageblocker 402 positioned in a slot 404 of body 56. Valve 126 includes avalve body 406 that includes a gas port 408. Adjustable gas passageblocker 402 is positioned in slot 404 of body 56 on a swivel pin 410. Asset forth in greater detail below, as gas passes from chamber 128through port 408 of valve 126, the gas also passes through adjustablegas passage blocker 402 before entering input port 118 of gas passage116 in bolt 112.

Referring to FIGS. 21 a-21 c, which depicts top cross sectional views ofmarker 50 along hash A-A in FIG. 20, a more illustrative view ofadjustable gas passage blocker 402 is illustrated. A portion of gaspassage blocker 402 protrudes outwardly from a side 412 of body 56.Adjustable gas passage blocker 402 includes a plurality of passages 414positioned about a circumference or perimeter of adjustable gas passageblocker 402. Each passage 414 has a different diameter or size. Mainvelocity adjustor 302 (see FIG. 11) is used to set the upper velocitysetting of marker 50 and adjustable gas passage blocker 402 is used tolower the velocity setting to different settings as a function of whichpassage 414 is selected.

As set forth above, gas passage blocker 402 includes passages 414 thatare sized according to the amount of restriction that is desired. Forexample, in FIG. 21 a, the largest diameter passage 414 is aligned withgas port 408 or valve 126. As such, marker 50 is set at the uppervelocity setting. FIG. 21 b represents a middle setting and FIG. 21 crepresents the lower velocity setting. An adjustment member 416protrudes outwardly from gas passage blocker 402. A cutaway or slot 418is located in body 56 that provides a passageway for adjustment member416 to travel through.

Referring to FIGS. 22 a-22 c, in another form, marker 50 includesanother representative form of velocity adjustment mechanism 400;velocity adjustment mechanism 400, like in above form (see FIGS. 20 and21), includes a dial selector, which also comprises an adjustable gaspassage blocker 402 positioned in a slot 404 of body 56. As before,adjustable gas passage blocker 402 is positioned in slot 404 of body 56on a swivel pin 410. Adjustable gas passage blocker 402 is configured toselectively restrict compressed gas flow from the valve 126 (see FIG.20) to gas passage 116 in bolt 112, as described above. The uppervelocity setting of marker 50 is set through main velocity adjustor 302,while the largest diameter passage 414 is aligned with gas port 408 orvalve 126. The progressive selection of smaller and smaller diameterpassages 414 further increases the restriction on the compressed gasflow, progressively. Thus, velocity adjustment mechanism 400 can be usedto adjust the velocity setting between the upper velocity setting andthe lower velocity setting.

In another representative form, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 isillustrated that includes actuator 195. Actuator 195 is positioned inexternal cavity or indentation 405. Actuator 195 includes a frictiondrive wheel or tension drive gear 403, in this form, that mates to andselectively rotates adjustable gas passage blocker 402, in slot 404. Assuch, actuator 195 connected to circuit board 66 can adjust the velocitysetting between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocitysetting, in one form, with velocity controller 76, controls 77, and/orwith a operational fire mode (see FIG. 5), in another form.

Yet again, actuator 195 can be configured pneumatically, as describedabove (see FIG. 15), and controlled by solenoid valve 74, connected withcircuit board 66, in one form. Thus, restriction on compressed gas flowwith adjustable gas passage blocker 402 can be increased and/ordecreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity ofelectro-pneumatic marker 50 between said upper velocity setting and saidlower velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 23, in yet another form, marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 450 that comprises a bolt passage blocker 452 thatis designed to partially block port 118 of bolt 112. Bolt passageblocker 452 is connected with a rod 454 that fits within an aperture 456in bolt 112. Bolt passage blocker 452 fits within a retaining aperture458 bored in bolt 112. An end portion 460 of rod 454 includes anexternally threaded portion 462 that engages an internally threadedportion 464 of bolt 112. The end of rod 454 is connected with anadjustment knob 466.

Bolt passage blocker 452 is configured to block port 118 of bolt 112such that gas is restricted from flowing into passage 116 of bolt 112.As knob 466 is screwed in and out, bolt passage blocker 452 adjusts toeither increasingly or decreasingly block port 118. As a result, thevelocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel 54 can be adjustedbetween a maximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting. Themaximum velocity setting can be configured on marker 50 by using mainvelocity adjustor 302, as previously set forth. When the maximumvelocity is set, bolt passage blocker 452 is set in a fully retractedstate or position so that user 10 cannot increase the velocity while onthe field to an excessive velocity setting.

Similar to FIG. 18, actuator 195 (see FIG. 15) is adaptable to velocityadjustment mechanism 450. For example, in one form, actuator 195 couldbe housed and/or secured in the rear end portion of bolt 112, with theexternally threaded portion 462 of rod 454 threading through actuator195. Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with mainvelocity adjustor 302, while passage blocker 452 is in a retractedposition, as described above. The velocity of marker 50 can be adjustedbetween the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting withactuator 195 of velocity adjustment mechanism 450 by, in this form,increasing or decreasing the restriction on compressed gas flow withconnected passage blocker 452. Again, actuator 195, in one form, isconnected with circuit board 66, and/or as described in FIG. 15. Also,said adjustment of passage blocker 452 could still be made manually; inone form, through the adjustment of knob 466.

Yet again, actuator 195 can be configured pneumatically, as describedabove (see FIG. 15), and controlled by solenoid valve 74, connected withcircuit board 66, in one form. Thus, restriction on compressed gas flowwith connected passage blocker 452 can be increased and/or decreasedpneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumaticmarker 50 between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocitysetting.

Referring to FIG. 24, another representative form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 500. In thisform, the position of bolt 112 is adjusted such that, during a firingoperation, port 118 of bolt 112 is misaligned with gas passage 120. Assuch, the misalignment of port 118 restricts the flow of compressed gasto passage 116, thereby slowing down the velocity of paintballs beingexpelled from barrel 54. The bolt and hammer connecting pin 127 ispositioned in vertical slot or aperture 510 in bolt 112. One end of arod 502 is connected with bolt and hammer connecting pin 127. Anotherend of rod 502 is connected with a knob 506. Rod 502 is positioned in anaperture 504 in bolt 112. An end portion 508 of rod 502 includesexternal threads that mate with internal threads in aperture 504. Withbolt and hammer connecting pin 127 joined to hammer 122, rotation of rod502 with knob 506 repositions bolt 112 back and forth along alongitudinal axis in bolt chamber or bore 114 inside body 56 of marker50. The maximum velocity is ready to set when knob 506 is fullyunscrewed and bolt 112 is in the forward most position. Then maximumvelocity setting is configured on marker 50 using main velocity adjustor302, as previously set forth.

As knob 506 is screwed in, bolt 112 moves rearward, thereby causing port118 to become misaligned with passage 120. The more port 118 becomesmisaligned with passage 120, by adjustment of bolt 112 on the bolt andhammer connecting pin 127 through knob 506, the lower the velocity ofpaintballs expelled from barrel 54 will be. In addition, when bolt 112is misaligned with passage 120, some compressed gas will be ventedthrough feed tube 64, thereby also lowering the velocity of thepaintball.

Again, similar to FIG. 18, actuator 195 (see FIG. 15) is adaptable tovelocity adjustment mechanism 500. For example, in one form, actuator195 could be housed and/or secured in the rear end portion of bolt 112,with the external threads of end portion 508 threading through actuator195. Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with mainvelocity adjustor 302 while bolt 112 is in the forward most position, asdescribed above. The velocity of marker 50 can be adjusted between theupper velocity setting and lower velocity setting with actuator 195 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 500 by the repositioning of bolt 112;thus, increasing or decreasing the restriction on compressed gas flowbetween passage 120 and port 118. Also, said adjustment of bolt 112 canstill be made manually; in one form, through the adjustment of knob 506.

Further, actuator 195 can be configured pneumatically, as describedabove (see FIG. 15), and controlled by solenoid valve 74, connected withcircuit board 66, in one form. Thus, the restriction of compressed gasflow between passage 120 and port 118 can be increased and/or decreasedpneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumaticmarker 50 between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocitysetting.

Referring to FIG. 25, another representative form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 550. In thisform, velocity adjustment mechanism 550 creates controllable separationbetween a paintball 566 and bolt 112. Velocity adjustment mechanism 550comprises a paintball repositioning member 552 that pushes paintballsfurther into barrel 54 during a firing operation. Paintballrepositioning member 552 is connected with a rod 554 that passes throughgas passage 116 and an aperture 556 in bolt 112. An end 558 of bolt 112includes an internally threaded portion 560 and an end 568 of rod 554includes an externally threaded portion 562 that threads into internallythreaded portion 560. A knob 564 is connected to end 568 of rod 554 andallows adjustment of ball repositioning member 552.

Ball repositioning member 552 is configured to push a paintball 566 intobarrel 54 at various depths. The further paintball 566 is pushed out ofthe breech into barrel 54, the greater the separation from said bolt112, thereby the slower or less velocity paintball 566 will be expelledfrom barrel 54 during a firing operation. Knob 564 allows user 10 toadjust the depth at which paintball 566 is pushed into barrel 54,thereby allowing adjustment of the velocity at which paintball 566 isexpelled from barrel 54 between an upper velocity setting and a lowervelocity setting. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the ballrepositioning member 552 is for the controllable separation of thepaintball 566 from the compressed gas forces of compressed gas passage116, of bolt 112.

Yet again, similar to FIG. 18, actuator 195 (see FIG. 15) is adaptableto velocity adjustment mechanism 550. For example, in one form, actuator195 could be housed and/or secured in the end 558 of bolt 112, withexternally threaded portion 562 of rod 554 threading through actuator195. Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with mainvelocity adjustor 302 while paintball repositioning member 552, of bolt112, is in the rearward most position. The velocity of marker 50 can beadjusted between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity settingwith actuator 195 of velocity adjustment mechanism 550 by thepositioning of paintball 566; thus, increasing or decreasing thecompressed gas forces on paintball 566.

Further, actuator 195 can be configured pneumatically, as describedabove (see FIG. 15), and controlled by solenoid valve 74, connected withcircuit board 66, in one form. Thus, the energy to expel paintball 566can be increased and/or decreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjustthe velocity of marker 50 between said upper velocity setting and saidlower velocity setting.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 24 and 25; another representative formof marker 50 is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustmentmechanism, which is a combination of velocity adjustment mechanism 500and velocity adjustment mechanism 550. Said combination velocityadjustment mechanism would position the paintball, similar to velocityadjustment mechanism 550, through longitudinal movement of the bolt 112into barrel 54. Said representative bolt 112 would be the ballrepositioning member itself; pushing paintball 566 into barrel 54 atvarious depths. Those skilled in the art would recognize that therepresented bolt and the valve mechanism might be independent of eachother; in one form, such as not including connecting pin 127. Theindependent movement of the bolt is more commonly associated withelectro-pneumatic markers.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 7, 26, 27, and 28; yet anotherrepresentative marker 50 is disclosed that includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 672. Velocity adjustment mechanism 672 includes acompressed gas venting method in barrel 54 of marker 50. FIGS. 26 and 27depicts top cross sectional views of barrel 54 between hashes B-B to C-Cin FIG. 7, for a more illustrative view of the compressed gas ventingmethod of velocity adjustment mechanism 672. Barrel 54 includes aplurality of venting outlets or ports 680 allowing user 10 tocontrollably vent compressed gas behind paintball 566, as paintball 566travels down inner bore 674 of barrel 54. Venting ports 680 arepositioned, in this illustrated form, in a plurality of circulardepressions or grooves 678 around the outer diameter of barrel 54.O-rings or seals 676 in barrel grooves 678 allow user 10 to controllablyclose and/or seal off venting ports 680. The position and the quantityof venting ports 680 that are opened allow the control of the force, ofthe compressed gas behind paintball 566. The ports 680 of barrel 54 thatare closer to breech 79 of marker 50 or the paintball 566 starting pointwill permit more compressed gas venting, as would the quantity of openedventing ports 680. User 10 would start with all venting ports 680 closedand adjust marker 50 with the main velocity adjustor, as describedabove, to the upper velocity setting. Then user 10 can selectivelyadjust the velocity of paintball 566 from marker 50 between the uppervelocity setting and a lower velocity setting though the selectiveopening of venting ports 680 in barrel 54.

In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 672 includes a compressedgas venting method in barrel 54 of marker 50, as described above. FIG.28 also depict a top cross sectional view of barrel 54 between hashesB-B to C-C in FIG. 7. As before, barrel 54 includes a plurality ofventing outlets or ports 680 allowing user 10 to controllably ventcompressed gas behind paintball 566, as paintball 566 travels down innerbore 674 of barrel 54. Venting ports 680 are positioned in a pluralityof circular depressions or grooves 678 around the outer diameter ofbarrel 54. In this form, o-rings or seals 676 are secured in slide ableor positional sleeve members 675; alternatively, in another form,o-rings or seals 676 can be an integral part of sleeve members 675.Seals 676 are situated in movable sleeve members 675, to allow seals 676to fit into barrel depressions 678, there by sealing off venting ports680. User 10 would start with sleeve members 675 positioned so thatseals 676 close all venting ports 680, then user 10 can adjust marker 50with the main velocity adjustor 302 to the upper velocity setting, asdescribed above. Subsequently, user 10 can selectively slide sleevemembers 675 to open selected venting ports 680. In one form, user 10 canfully open selected venting ports 680 producing an opening or ventinggap 673; in another form, user 10 can semi open selected venting portsby slightly moving sleeve members 675, there by creating a vent chamberbetween the o-rings or seals 676. Therefore, user 10 can selectivelyadjust the velocity of paintball 566 from marker 50 between the uppervelocity setting and a lower velocity setting through the selectiveopening of venting ports 680 with sleeve members 675 of barrel 54.

Referring collectively to FIG. 29 a-29 b, another representative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism652. In this form, portions of barrel 54 are added or removed to controlthe velocity of marker 50 between the upper velocity setting and thelower velocity setting. User 10 would set the upper velocity setting onmarker 50 with the main velocity adjustor, as described above, and withall barrel 54 portions connected. Said portions or components of barrel54 include starting or base component 658, a plurality of velocityadjustor or spacer components 654, and an end or tip component 656. Inthis illustrated form, barrel components are connected by joining themale ends 655 of said barrel components with female ends 657 of otherbarrel components. User 10 with upper velocity set on marker 50 and afully assembled barrel 54, can now selectively remove adjustorcomponents 654 from base component 658 to lower the velocity of marker50 toward and/to the lower velocity setting. This is because thecompressed gas propelling the paintball down the barrel 54 loses itseffectiveness on shorter and shorter barrel lengths as more compressedgas escapes around the paintball when it exits a shortened barrel 54before utilizing its full propelling force. Thus user 10 can adjust thevelocity of marker 50 with velocity adjustment mechanism 652, by addingor removing a plurality of velocity adjustor components 654, betweensaid upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 30 a and 30 b, a representative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes a pressure regulator 106.Pressure regulator 106 controls and/or regulates the compressed gas ofmarker 50, in one form, the compressed gas is used to expel projectilesfrom barrel 54 of marker 50. As illustrated, in one form, compressed gasis supplied to pressure regulator 106 through gas line 104 fromconnected compressed gas source 100. Yet, in another form, thecompressed gas from compressed gas source 100 is supplied to pressureregulator 106 internally through grip frame 60, grip frame rail 58,and/or body 56 of marker 50. In one form, Pressure regulator 106 canadjust, control and/or regulate the compressed gas of marker 50 bycontrolling and/or regulating the aspects, qualities, and/orcharacteristics of the compressed gas used, such as, the volume,pressure, flow, flow rate, storage area, timed released, and/ortemperature of the compressed gas.

In one representative form, pressure regulator 106 of marker 50 isconfigured to comprise velocity adjustment mechanism 852. In one form,velocity adjustment mechanism 852, being similar to velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 of FIG. 8, is configured as an integral part of pressureregulator 106. In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 852 is anadditional and/or supplementary member or component to a pressureregulator 106 of marker 50. For example, end cap or housing 108 of FIG.30 a can be an alternate or substitution for adjustment knob 108 of FIG.7. Although illustrated as being housed in end cap 108 it should beappreciated that velocity adjustment mechanism 852 can be housed inother locations of pressure regulator 106 or marker 50.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 852 of pressure regulator 106 includes amain velocity adjustor 80. In this form, main velocity adjustor 80 isused to set the maximum or upper velocity setting, of marker 50, throughthe adjustment of the compressed gas, as described above. Main velocityadjustor 80 can be adjusted by actuator 195 (see FIG. 15), in one form,or adjusted manually through allen head screw end, as described above(see FIG. 6 a-6 c), in another form.

Again, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 a-6 c and FIG. 15, this form caninclude an adjustment device 82 (e.g.—a selector lever). Once mainvelocity adjustor 80 has been set to expel projectiles at an uppervelocity level or setting, selector 82 can be connected with or adjustedon main velocity adjustor 80. In one form, end cap 108 includesapertures 88. As with the forms disclosed in FIGS. 6 a-6 c, pins or setscrews 90 and 92 can be positioned in apertures 88 to ensure thatselector 82 cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or belowthe minimum or lower velocity setting. See FIGS. 6 a-6 c. Set screw 84is used to secure selector 82 to main velocity adjustor 80. Adjustmentdevice 82 can be, in one form, a manual velocity adjustor or over ridingvelocity adjustor. Further in one form, selector 82 secured to mainvelocity adjustor 80 will hit or bump up against pins 90 and 92, asdescribed above (see FIG. 6 a-6 c); and prevent the adjustment of mainvelocity adjustor 80 by motor/actuator 195 beyond the upper and lowervelocity settings.

Still further, in another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 852 ofpressure regulator 106, can be configured to include situationalconnectors 44 and 45 (see FIG. 6 b) connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 5). In one form, circuit board 66 knowing the position of mainvelocity adjustor 80 and selector 82, through connectors 44 and 45, canadjust or actuate main velocity adjustor 80 and selector 82 between theupper and lower velocity settings. Therefore, user 10 can set the upperactuation limit and the lower actuation limit for actuator 195 throughcircuit board 66, thereby setting the upper velocity setting and thelower velocity setting.

Also, in another form, actuator 195 can be configured with a positionalsensor that determines the respective positions of main velocityadjustor 80, and the degrees of actuation of actuator 195 and/or mainvelocity adjustor 80. Thus, actuator 195, with the incorporatedpositional sensor, in one form, would not adjust the velocity of marker50 beyond the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting, as setby user 10. In one form, user 10 can set the upper and lower velocitysetting or limit, for actuator 195, through circuit board 66 withcontrols 77 and/or velocity controller 76 (see FIG. 5), as describedabove. In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 852 of pressureregulator 106, connected with circuit board 66, can be configured withpressure sensor 46 (see FIG. 5). Circuit board 66 in communication withpressure sensor 46 can adjust or control one or more operatingparameters of pressure regulator 106, of marker 50. For example, user 10sets the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting for marker 50with controls 77 and/or velocity controller 76, connected with circuitboard 66, which is connected with pressure sensor 46. Circuit board 66knowing the operation pressure or its determined value, of thecompressed gas of marker 50, for the upper velocity setting and thelower velocity setting, would only adjust actuator 195 between thosedetermined pressures and/or values.

Also, circuit board 66 in communication with pressure sensor 46, canadjust actuator 195 to lower the velocity and/or operational pressure ofmarker 50, such as, when the gas pressure of marker 50 and/or pressureregulator 106 exceeds a preset safety limit, or the velocity of marker50 exceeds the upper velocity setting. In one form, speed sensor 72connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5), can determine, analyzeand/or verify the velocity of an expelled paintball, respective to adetermined value of pressure sensor 46, a selected velocity setting,and/or the adjustment of main velocity adjustor 80 through actuator 195of pressure regulator 106.

All of the features discussed above with reference to FIG. 5, FIGS. 6a-6 c, and FIG. 15 are hereby incorporated by reference into therepresentative forms set forth in FIGS. 30 a and 30 b. Also, thoseskilled in the art would recognize that marker 50 can be configured witha plurality of pressure regulators with electric and/or pneumaticadjustment mechanisms, such as, velocity adjustment mechanism 852. Forexample, many paintball markers of today are configured with a pluralityof pressure regulators; such as, a pressure regulator to control theforce or velocity at which the paintball is expelled and a pressureregulator to control the pressure of compressed gas that is used tooperate the marker's functions.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 30 c and 30 d, another representativeform of marker 50 is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustmentmechanism 852, that is, in connection or relationship with, thecompressed gas source 100, through compressed gas adapter 102, in oneform. In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism 852 can beconfigured into or part of compressed gas source 100 itself, such as,many of the compressed gas sources or tanks sold today. Some of thesetanks or sources are controlled or regulated with an attached externalregulator, while others are configured with an internal regulator. Stillother tanks or sources, attach to an adapter, such as illustratedcompressed gas adapter 102. Thus, an electric and/or a pneumaticcontrolled velocity adjustment mechanism, such as velocity adjustmentmechanism 852, can be configured internally into, externally onto,and/or in connection with a compressed gas source or tank 100. Again,for the sake of brevity, all of the features discussed above withreference to FIG. 5, FIGS. 6 a-6 c, FIG. 15, and FIGS. 30 a-b are herebyincorporated by reference into the representative forms set forth inFIGS. 30 c and 30 d.

Further, those skilled in the art would also recognize that pressureregulators with electric and/or pneumatic adjustment mechanisms, suchas, those representatively illustrated in FIGS. 30 a to 30 d, wouldallow a user to retrofit many paintball markers sold to date with avelocity adjustment that allowed the user to expel paintballs between anupper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting, as set forth ingreater detail below.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 31 a to 31 e, in this form,representative marker 50 can include a plurality of velocity adjustmentmechanisms. As described above, marker 50 can include a primary or mainvelocity adjustor (i.e.—main velocity adjustor 302, main velocityadjustor 80, main velocity adjustor 186, etc.) and a secondary velocityadjustor (i.e.—selector lever 82, adjustment mechanism 110, adjustmentmechanism 180, adjustment mechanism 200, adjustment mechanism 250, etc).Further, as described above, marker 50 can include an additionaladjustment mechanism, such as actuator 195, to the primary velocityadjustor or to a secondary velocity adjustor. Even though, alsodescribed above, markers of today can be configured with a plurality ofdifferent adjustment means or mechanisms, such as, a regulator tocontrol tank pressure (i.e.—compressed gas adapter 102), verticalregulator to control expelling pressure (i.e.—pressure regulator 106),main velocity adjustor 302, etc.; still markers of today are configuredto be used or played with at one velocity setting, an upper velocitysetting.

As representatively illustrated in FIG. 31 a-e, marker 50 can beconfigured with a plurality of velocity adjustment mechanisms or meansthat allow a user 10 to further adjust or finely adjust the velocitysetting(s) of marker 50, between an upper velocity setting and a lowervelocity setting. For example, see FIG. 31 a, marker 50 can beconfigured with velocity adjustment mechanism 852 (see FIG. 30 a-b) andvelocity adjustment mechanism 180 (see FIG. 15). In a further example,see FIG. 31 b, marker 50 can be configured with velocity adjustmentmechanism 652 (see FIG. 29 a-b) and velocity adjustment mechanism 852(see FIG. 30 c-d).

Further still, user 10 can configure one velocity adjustment mechanismfor one purpose and/or function, while configuring an additionalvelocity adjustment mechanism for another purpose and/or function. Forexample, see FIG. 31 c-e, marker 50 can be configured with velocityadjustment mechanism 52, that adjusts the pressure and/or volume ofcompressed gas used by marker 50, and with velocity adjustment mechanism180, that adjusts the force or tension of hammer spring 124, there byadjusting the timing of valve 126 (see FIGS. 14 and 16). In the aboveillustrative form, velocity adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the force,speed, and/or time hammer 122 activates or interacts with valve 126,through the tension and/or force of hammer spring 124. In the aboverepresentative form, spring end cap 182 is held or retained in body 56with body/cap pin 172. End cap 182 includes cam or progressive threadand/or surfaces 174 that allow the adjustment of end cap 182 and spring124, while still being held or retained in body 56 with body/cap pin172, such as, an intermediate velocity position and/or settingillustrated in FIG. 31 d or a lower velocity position and/or settingillustrated in FIG. 31 e. Also, in one form, adjusting end cap 182, ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 180, can include non-adjusting positionsor surfaces 173, that do not allow the adjustment of end cap 182, as inrestrictive tournaments (see FIG. 31 c).

Also, in another representative form, user 10 can configure one velocityadjustment mechanism for a segment or portion of a purpose and/orfunction, while configuring an additional velocity adjustment mechanismfor another segment or portion of a purpose and/or function. Forexample, one velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjustmarker 50 quickly in 20 FPS increments, while another velocityadjustment mechanism can be configured to finely adjust marker 50 in 5FPS increments. Also, one velocity adjustment mechanism can beconfigured to adjust marker 50 through the upper half of the velocitysettings, while another velocity adjustment mechanism can be configuredto adjust marker 50 through the lower half of the velocity settings, ofthe velocity settings falling between the upper velocity setting and thelower velocity setting (i.e.—300 FPS to 220 FPS for one velocityadjustment mechanism and 219 FPS to 140 FPS for another velocityadjustment mechanism). Further, for example, one velocity adjustmentmechanism can be configured to adjust the velocity settings of marker 50in a lobbing mode, while another velocity adjustment mechanism can beconfigured to adjust the velocity settings of marker 50 in an energysaving mode, as set forth in greater detail below.

Also, a plurality of velocity adjustment mechanisms or means can becombined into a single velocity adjustment mechanism or means that ismulti functional. For example, see FIG. 14, hammer spring end cap 182can be threadably connected with body 56, thus hammer spring end cap 182can be configured as a velocity adjustment mechanism to lessen thespring force of hammer spring 124, similar to velocity adjustor 252 inFIG. 17 or velocity adjustor 180 in FIG. 31 d-e; while still beingconfigured with lever 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 180 (see FIG.14). There by allowing one velocity adjustment mechanism or means toadjust the velocity setting of marker 50 for one purpose while allowingthe other velocity adjustment mechanism or means to adjust the velocitysetting of marker 50 for another purpose, as described above, althoughbeing configured and/or housed in a single unit or member.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 32 and 33, a user 10 is illustratedfiring projectiles or paintballs at two respective targets 12 a, 12 busing a compressed gas projectile accelerator or paintball marker 50.User 10 is shooting at target 12 a with a marker 50 that is configuredto expel paintballs at target 12 a at an upper velocity setting, whichin this form, comprises the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300FPS, as described above. Again, since user 10 is a substantial distancefrom target 12 a, thus requiring the paintball to travel a greaterdistance, the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced pathafter traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity onthe paintball.

User 10 is also lobbing paintballs on to target 12 b with marker 50 setat the lower velocities of the lobbing mode, also described above (seeFIG. 32). As user 10 adjusts or positions barrel 54 of marker 50 alonglatitudinal axis LA-LA, relative to the ground G, the impact of thepaintballs of the lobbing mode changes, outwardly then inwardly; if saidlower velocities remain unchanged. For example, user 10 is lobbingpaintballs at target 12 b, in target area TA, with marker 50 configuredto one set of lower velocities and starting with low barrel 54 anglewhile impacting target area TA. As user 10 increased the angle of barrel54 along latitudinal axis LA-LA the impact of the paintballs wouldextend increasing past target area TA, until the paintballs reachedtheir distance limit for that set of said lower velocity settings. Then,their impact would increasingly return to target area TA, as user 10continued to increase the angle or position of barrel 54 towards agreater predetermined angle.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 33, a lobbed paintball, of said lowervelocity settings, can have more than one predetermined expelling anglefor any particular velocity setting. For example, user 10 is lobbingpaintballs at target 12 b with marker 50 configured to one velocitysetting of the said lower velocity settings. User 10 is lobbingpaintballs at target 12 b in two different arc shaped paths, a highradius HR shaped arced path and a low radius LR shaped arced path. Thehigh radius HR shaped arced path and the low radius LR shaped arced pathare comparatively representative of the substantially arc shaped paths18 that can be used or selected by user 10, to lob paintballs ontotarget 12 b in target area TA.

Referring to FIG. 34, an overhead representative example of a paintballplaying field is illustrated; in particular, a tournament playing field.Tournament paintball playing fields are typically designed or arrangedto be tactically balanced for two opposing teams, with equal and mirrorlike qualities. Tournament fields are normally laid out on fairly levelground with various shaped bunkers or obstacles that provide cover tothe players. The dimensional size of the field, the placement ofobstacles and the quantity of obstacles on the field routinely dependson the number of allowed players per playing team, such as 3 man teams,5 man teams, 10 man teams, etc. The playing fields for most majortournament paintball events are generally pre designed for the teams toinspect and plan game strategy; with many major paintball events postingvirtual version of the field layouts on the internet, as described above(see FIG. 5).

As illustrated, user 10 is playing or opposing at least two opponents,represented as target 12 c and target 12 d. Target 12 c is playingbehind obstacle 16 a that is located in grid R2/C2 and target 12 d isplaying in grid R1/C8 behind an obstacle located in grid R2/C8. User 10is playing behind or off the back right bunker or obstacle; which is,the representative upright cylindrically shape in grid R9/C8. User 10 isexpelling paintballs at target 12 c and target 12 d with marker 50, setat the upper velocity setting, as described above. User 10, in thisillustrative example, recognizes the low tubular obstacle 16 b, on the50 yard line in the center of the field as the biggest threat to team'sgame plan, if occupied by an opponent. Thus, user 10 preregistered gridR5/C5, illustrated as target area TA1; as well as, other target areas inother grids behind other opposing obstacles, illustrated as target areaTA2 and target area TA3. The preregistering of grids and/or target areasinto marker 50 by user 10, allows user 10 to expel paintballs at or ontotargets in said target areas quicker and more precisely. In one form,marker 50 includes directional/locational sensor 43, as described above(see FIG. 5); directional/locational sensor 43 allows user 10 toposition marker 50 in the preregistered directional heading of a preselected target area and marker 50 will self select or auto select thepreregistered preferences and/or factors (i.e. selected velocitysettings, firing mode, etc.) that were selected and input by user 10before the game began. Said preregistering of a target area can be donefor the straight fire mode and the lobbing fire mode. For example, user10 could preregister grid R1/C2 behind obstacle 16 a for the uppervelocity setting of the straight fire mode or grid R5/C5, target areaTA1, for a lower velocity setting of the a lobbing fire mode. Further,besides presetting the velocity setting or settings for a particulartarget area, as well as, the firing mode (i.e.—straight fire mode,lobbing mode, velocity spreader lobbing, lobbing burst mode, etc.); user10 can preregister a delivery arc or angular path, such as a high radiusHR shaped path and/or a low radius LR shaped path, as described above(see FIG. 33). The preregistering of the delivery path allows user 10 toconsider and/or compensate for, the shape and/or size of an obstacle infront of an opponent or a target area. For example, user 10 can registera high radius HR shaped path for a taller obstacle and register a lowradius LR shaped path for a shorter obstacle. In one form, marker 50includes indicators 73, as described above (see FIG. 5); said indicators73 can guide user 10 to the proper and/or selected angle for barrel 54for the selected preregistered delivery path, such as the high radius HRor the low radius LR shaped path, during play of the game.

The preregistering of marker 50 can be done before play begins on thepaintball field. This preregistering of marker 50 can be accomplishedthrough trial and error, with positive results being acknowledged andinput into marker 50, during a pre game test firing. Also, thepreregistering of marker 50 can be accomplished through above describedconfigured marker (see FIG. 5). For example, said configured marker 50includes directional/locational sensor 43; allowing user 10 to input thestarting location for marker 50. The distance and direction to aselected target or target area can be determined by marker 50 throughdirectional/locational sensor 43; such as, during the pre game fieldwalk user 10 inputs said starting location into marker 50, then user 10walks over to the selected target area and inputs its location, thusmarker 50 knows the distance between the two entered locations and thedirectional heading. Additionally, the distance to a selected target ortarget area can be input by user 10 through included distance sensor 75or controls 77 configured as a manual distance control, as describedabove. This, input of the distance to a selected target or target area,by controls 77, is aided by the announcement of the dimensional fieldslay outs or designs, by event promoters. In one form,directional/locational sensor 43, distance sensor 75, and/or manualdistance control 77 can be used to verify and/or cross reference, theothers, distance to target determination. Other aspects and/or factorscan be input or preregistered by user 10 before the game, such as,preferred velocity settings, preferred delivery paths, firing modes,RPS, activating barrel angles of the auto select mode, the directionalheading of a selected target relative to the starting position, etc. Theregistering of marker 50, similar to the pregame preregistering, can bedone during play of the game while on the playing field, as describedabove (see FIG. 5). Also, the pregame preregistered factors, aspects,determinations, and/or preferences can be adjusted or changed duringplay of the game, such as; with controls 77, also described above (seeFIG. 5).

Further, the preregistering of an angular path limit or angle limit forbarrel 54 can also be set for any velocity setting, at or above aspecified velocity setting, as a safety mode. For example, a tournamentpromoter or official of a representative paintball event comprehendsthat a lob paintball from a barrel of a marker with an angle of morethan 70 degrees, at a velocity of more than 240 FPS could drift over thesafety netting, which is in front the viewing area. Thus, apreregistered limit might be imposed or set to, 65 degrees or less forany velocity setting above 235 FPS. In this example, any barrel 54 angleabove 65 degrees would be limited to an upper velocity setting of 235FPS by the configured marker.

Referring collectively to FIG. 35 a-b, a representative form of apaintball feeding system is illustrated. In particular, a paintball feedsystem and/or method 30 that considers, counteracts, and/or compensatesfor the angle or positional position of marker 50 and/or paintballhopper 63. For example, when a marker of today, with fixed vertical feedtube, is placed in a predetermined angle in order to lob paintballs ontoa target such as target 12 b, the feed tube 64 of marker 50 would be 90degrees to that predetermined angle. That is, if the barrel 54 of marker50 is at a predetermined lobbing angle of 60 degrees, the feed tube 64is at 90 degree angle to that 60 degree angle of the barrel 54, and notat 90 degrees to the ground. Further for example, if the barrel 54 ofmarker 50 is pointing at 1 o'clock (from a side view), then the feedtube 64 would be pointing at 10 o'clock. Thus the paintball hopper 63could have feeding problems and/or miss feeds. However, if marker 50included a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged member or component, suchas feed tube 64, that considered, counteracted, and/or compensated forthe angle or positional position of barrel 54 and marker 50; paintballhopper 63 would feed paintballs as it's designed. Also, paintball hopper63 can be configured to consider, counteract, and/or compensate for itsangular or positional position, as set forth in greater detail below.Those skilled in the art would recognize that most paintball hoppers inuse today are designed and perform best in a level or more levelposition; and that most paintball markers in use are designed with fixedvertical feed tubes for this reason.

Referring to FIG. 36, another representative form of paintball feedsystem and/or method 30 is illustrated. Similar to the above form, inthis illustrated form; paintball feed system 30 includes a method thatconsiders, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angular or positionalposition of marker 50 and/or paintball hopper 63, where the angle is adownward angle. For example, when user 10 is not engaging an opponent,marker 50 might be placed in a resting or downward angle, asillustrated. Thus, paintball hopper 63 would not be fully ready to feedpaintballs through feed tube 64 to marker 50 as designed; if marker 50has a fixed vertical feed tube, as described above. In thisrepresentative form, marker 50 includes a pivoting, rotating, and/orhinged feed tube 64 that considered, counteracted, and/or compensatedfor the angle or positional position of barrel 54 and marker 50; thereby allowing paintball hopper 63 to be fully ready and able to feedpaintballs once user 10 engaged a target. Again, paintball feed system30 can include a paintball hopper 63 configured to consider, counteract,and/or compensate for its angular or positional position.

Further, in the sport of paintball; tournament paintball allows the“bunkering” of an opponent, that is where a player or user runs up to anopponent's bunker or obstacle, and shoots said opponent. Many times saidopponent is kneeling or laying prone behind the bunker causing the“bunkering” player or user to shoot downward to eliminate said opponent.This downward shooting causes the paintball hopper 63 to be out of itspreferred level position. But, as illustrated in this form; marker 50and/or paintball hopper 63 can comprise a pivoting, rotating, and/orhinged feed method that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates forthe angular or positional position marker 50 and/or paintball hopper 63,there by allowing the proper feeding of paintballs to marker 50.

Referring collectively to FIG. 37 a-f, in this representative form,paintball marker 50 includes paintball feed system 30. In this form,paintball feed system 30 of marker 50 can be configured to includes apivoting, rotating, and/or hinged member or component, which is feedtube 64 in this representation, that considers, counteracts, and/orcompensates for the angle or positional position of paintball hopper 63and/or marker 50 (see FIG. 37 d-e), as described above. In arepresentative form of the above form, feed tube 64 can be configured asa vertical feed tube, but with a side entry or feed, that is, a sidemounted feed tube. The upper portion of side feed tube 64 turns intomarker 50 through transitional sections 37 allowing paintballs to be fedto marker 50 from the side. The side mounting of feed tube 64 can beconfigured into the right side of marker body 56 (see FIG. 37 a) and/orthe left side of marker body 56 (see FIG. 37 c). In one form, user 10can switch feed tube 64 from one side of marker 50 to the other side ofmarker 50. Feed system 30 can include a seal or plug 38 (see FIG. 37 b)to allow the closing or sealing off of bore 114 (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 37f) on one side of body 56 when feed tube 64 is configured on the otherside of marker 50.

In one representative form, feed tube 64 of feed system 30 can pivot orrotate 360 degrees around its mounted position on body 56 of marker 50.Further, feed system 30 can include a positional system and/or method,such as actuator 195 (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 37 f), to allow the assistedmovement or placement of feed tube 64. In one form, actuator 195 of feedsystem 30 can be connected to circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5) of marker50. In another form, actuator 195 of feed system 30 can be connected toa separate controller or circuit board 66 and/or a separate power supply68 (see FIG. 5). Further, feed system 30 can include sensors, such astilt sensors 48 (see FIG. 5), configured to allow user 10 and/or circuitboard 66 of marker 50 to position feed tube 64 and/or paintball hopper63 in a better or premium position and/or situation. For example, user10 can position barrel 54 of marker 50 in a predetermined angle to lobpaintballs onto a target area TA. Feed system 30, with circuit board 66and connected tilt sensor 48, then moves or repositions feed tube 64and/or paintball hopper 63 to an improved feeding position through theactivation of actuator 195. In one illustrated form (see FIG. 37 a andFIG. 37 f), actuator 195 is secured or connected to feed tube 64 throughbands or brackets 191. Actuator 195 includes a shaft driven drive wheelor gear 193 which companions or mates to a suitable surface, such asgear teeth impressions 194 (see FIG. 37 a and FIG. 37 f), on the body 56of marker 50. Thus, movement or rotation of drive gear 193 by actuator195 causes the connected feed tube 64 to pivot or rotate around itsconnection to body 56 of marker 50, there by allowing circuit board 66and connected tilt sensor 48 to position feed system 30 into a morepreferred feeding position and/or situation.

Actuator 195 of the above form, similar to a form of FIG. 15, cancomprise an electric means or manner, such as, a servo, solenoid,stepper motor, indirect drive motor, direct drive motor, ball screwdrive, worm gear drive or any other suitable type of motor, drive,and/or actuator. Also, actuator 195 can comprise a pneumatic and/orhydraulic means or manner, such as with, pneumatic and/or hydraulicmotors, drives, and/or actuators. Said pneumatic/hydraulic motors,drives, and/or actuators can further comprise a servo, solenoid, fluidicmuscle actuator, indirect drive actuator, direct drive actuator, ballscrew drive, vane actuator, rotary vane motor, multi stage cylinder orany other suitable type of motor, drive, and/or actuator. Pneumaticactuator 195 can be activated and/or controlled by solenoid valve 74(see FIG. 5), connected with circuit board 66, in one form; andactivated and/or controlled by an independent or secondary solenoidvalve, in another form. Although illustrated in connection feed tube 64,it should be appreciated that actuator 195 can be configured in otherlocations of marker 50 and/or feed system 30.

Referring collectively to FIG. 38 a-c, another representative form ofpaintball marker 50 is illustrated, that includes paintball feed system30. In this form, paintball feed system 30 of marker 50 can beconfigured to include a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged member orcomponent, such as feed tube 64, that considers, counteracts, and/orcompensates for the angle or positional position of barrel 54 and marker50, as described above (see FIG. 35 a-b, FIG. 36). In this form,paintball feed system 30 of marker 50 can include a vertical feed tube64, that is similar to fixed vertical feed tubes of most paintballmarkers of today. While feed tube 64 of paintball feed system 30 feedpaintballs to marker 50 from the top, feed tube 64 of paintball feedsystem 30 is not fixed or held in place or one position. In one form,feed tube 64 of paintball feed system 30 can be configured to saddle oroutwardly conform to the upper sides of body 56 of marker 50. Also, feedtube 64 includes a hinged and/or pivot point, such as pivot screw 32,that allows feed tube 64 to rotate forward and/or backward, while stillfeeding paintballs to marker 50. Paintball feed system 30 of marker 50can be configured with slide plates or covers 34 that expose and/orcover the elongated feed port or passage for paintball expelling bore114 (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 37 f). In this representative form, slidecovers 34 can be spring loaded or assisted and are moveably secured withretaining screws 33.

In another representative form, paintball feed system 30 can beconfigured to include assisted movement and/or positioning. In one form,feed system 30 includes actuator 195 (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 37 f) toallow user 10 and/or circuit board 66 to position feed system 30 into apreferential feeding position and/or situation, as described herein.

Referring collectively to FIG. 39 a-d, a further representative form ofpaintball marker 50 is illustrated, that includes paintball feed system30. In one form, paintball feed system 30 of marker 50 can be configuredto include a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged feed tube 64 thatconsiders, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angle or positionalposition of marker 50 and/or paintball hopper 63, as described above. Inone representative form, feed tube 64 can be configured as an angled,curved, or slanted feed tube that can be rotationally positional toallow feed system 30 to be placed into a preferred or more preferredfeeding position and/or situation (see FIG. 39 a-b). In another form,feed system 30 includes a pivoting or rotating body segment or section35 of body 56 that can be rotationally positional to allow feed system30 to be placed into a preferred or more preferred feeding positionand/or situation. In one representative form, feed tube 64 of feedsystem 30, being rotationally connected with positional body segment 35,can be positioned spherically or around body 56 of marker 50 (see FIG.39 c-d).

In another form, feed tube 64 and/or positional body segment 35, of feedsystem 30, can be configured with or be connected to actuator 195 (seeFIG. 37 f). In one form, feed system 30 includes circuit board 66connected with actuator 195. In another representative form, feed system30 includes tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board 66. There by,allowing user 10 and/or circuit board 66 with connected tilt sensors 48,through the pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged movement of angled feedtube 64 and/or movable body segment 35, to position and/or repositionfeed system 30 into an improved feeding arrangement and/orconfiguration. The repositioning of feed system 30, during play of agame, can be automatic or self selected through circuit board 66 andtilt sensors 48 connected with actuator 195. Also, the repositioning offeed system 30, during play of a game, can be manually performed orcompleted through controls 77 (see FIG. 5) or by hand, by user 10.

Referring collectively to FIG. 40 a-c, a representative form of apaintball feeding system 30 is illustrated. In this form, paintballfeeding method 30 considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for theangle or positional position of marker 50 and/or paintball hopper 63, asdescribed above (see FIG. 35 a-b and FIG. 36), through the configurationand/or cooperation of paintball hopper 63. In one representative form,paintball hopper 63 of paintball feeding system 30 includes a moveableand/or positional member, such as feed neck 65, that pivots, rotates,and/or is hinged to allow paintball feeding system 30 to feed paintballsto marker 50 in an improved or preferred position and/or situation. Inone representative form, feed neck 65 can be configured with a moveableand/or positional connection 61 to paintball hopper 63. In another form,paintball hopper 63 can be configured with a moveable and/or positionalconnection 61 to feed neck 65 and/or feed tube 64.

In one form, the configuration of the improved or preferred feedingposition of paintball feeding system 30 can be through the configuringof paintball hopper 63, as described above (see FIG. 40 a). In anotherform, the configuration of the improved or preferred feeding position ofpaintball feeding system 30 can be through the configuring of marker 50,as described above (see FIGS. 37 a to 39 d). In yet another form, theconfiguration of the improved or preferred feeding position of paintballfeeding system 30 can be through the configuring of marker 50 andpaintball hopper 63, as illustrated in FIGS. 40 b and 40 c. For example,marker 50 of paintball feeding system 30 can be configured with amoveable and/or positional feed tube 64 (see FIG. 38 a-c), whilepaintball hopper 63 of paintball feeding system 30 can be configuredwith a moveable and/or positional feed neck 65 (see FIG. 40 a-c).

Further, in another form, paintball hopper 63 of feed system 30 can beconfigured with or be connected to actuator 195 to allow the assistedpositioning of paintball hopper 63, as described above. Again, in oneform, feed system 30 can include circuit board 66 connected withactuator 195. There by, allowing user 10, through controls 77 (see FIG.5) connected with circuit board 66, to position and/or reposition feedsystem 30 into an improved feeding arrangement and/or configuration.Also, in another representative form, feed system 30 can also includesensors, such as tilt sensors 48, connected with circuit board 66. Thereby, allowing circuit board 66 to automatically configure paintballhopper 63 and/or marker 50 of paintball feed system 30 into an improvedfeeding arrangement and/or configuration.

Referring collectively to FIG. 41 a-b, in this representative form,paintball marker 50 includes a plurality of tilt sensors 48 connectedwith circuit board 66. In this form, tilt sensors 48 connected withcircuit board 66 can be configured to sense and/or measure the tiltposition, angular position, and/or axial position of components ormembers of marker 50. In one form, tilt sensors 48 can be configured tosense and/or measure the position of components or members in comparisonor reference to other components or members of marker 50. In anotherform, tilt sensors 48 can be configured to sense and/or measure theposition of components or members in comparison or reference to theground G. For example, tilt sensor 48 illustrated in grip frame 60 canbe configured to sense the tilt or angular position of marker 50 or itsmembers in reference to the ground G, while tilt sensor 48 illustratedas part of the feed tube 64 and/or hopper 63 can be configured to sensethe tilt or angular position of the paintball feed system 30, inreference to other members of marker 50.

In one representative form, elements or members of marker 50 can beconnected, such as tilt sensors 48, and/or connected to circuit board 66through a detachable or separable connection. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 41 b, tilt sensor 48 of paintball hopper 63 can beconnected to circuit board 66 in grip frame 60 through connector or link292 and connector or link 294. In one form, connector 292 of feed neck65 can be configured to mate and/or connect to connector 294 of feedtube 64 when paintball hopper 63 is connected to or companioned withmarker 50. In another representative form, elements or members of marker50 can be connected, such as tilt sensors 48, and/or connected tocircuit board 66 through included data links or transfer elements, asset forth in greater detail below.

Similar to an above form (see FIG. 5), tilt sensors 48 can comprise anelectrolytic tilt sensor, an electronic clinometer or inclinometer, anaccelerometer, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a gyro sensor, a fullmotion sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. Although tiltsensors 48 are illustrated as being housed in grip frame 60, feed tube64, and paintball hopper 63 it should be appreciated that these elementscan be located in other locations of marker 50. Also tilt sensors 48 canbe combined into a single member or element.

Referring to FIG. 42, in another representative form, paintball marker50 includes a plurality of motion sensors 47 connected with circuitboard 66. In this form, motion sensors 47 can be configured to sense,detect and/or measure the motion and/or movement of marker 50 or itsmembers. For example, in one form, motion sensors 47 connected withcircuit board 66 can be configured to sense, detect and/or measure themotion and/or movement of marker 50, as described above (see FIG. 5);and in another form, motion sensors 47 can be configured to sense,detect and/or measure the motion and/or movement of a member orcomponent, such as a paintball feed system (see FIGS. 35 and 36).

Similar to an above form (see FIG. 5), while motion sensors 47 isillustrated housed in the grip frame 60 and feed tube 64, it should beappreciated that these elements can be positioned in other locations onmarker 50. Also, motion sensors 47 can comprise a manual sensor,electronic sensor, pneumatic sensor, or any other suitable type ofmotion sensor for detecting and/or measuring the motion and/or movementof marker 50. Further, motion sensors 47 can be combined into a singlemember or element. Again, in one representative form, elements ormembers of marker 50 can be connected, such as motion sensors 47, and/orconnected to circuit board 66 through a detachable or separableconnection, as described above. Also, in another representative form,elements or members of marker 50 can be connected, such as motionsensors 47, and/or connected to circuit board 66 through included datalinks or transfer elements, again as set forth in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 43, in another representative form, paintball marker50 includes a plurality of vibration/sound sensors 41 connected withcircuit board 66. In one form, paintball marker 50 includes a pluralityof acoustical and/or vibration output devices and/or members 42. Asdescribed above (see FIG. 5), vibration/sound sensors 41 can beconfigured to allow the collection, reading, and/or analysis ofvibrations, audible level noises, inaudible noises and/or sub levelnoises produced by marker 50 or its members. Also, in another form, incooperation with vibration/sound sensors 41, acoustical/vibration outputdevices 42 can be configured to send, produce, and/or transmit antisound waves and/or sound canceling signals; as well as, anti vibrationwaves and/or vibration canceling signals.

Again, similar to an above form, while vibration/sound sensors 41 areillustrated housed in the barrel 54, grip frame rail 58, and feed tube64, it should be appreciated that these elements can be positioned inother locations on marker 50. Also, it should be appreciated thatacoustical/vibration output devices 42 can be positioned in otherlocations on marker 50 as well. Vibration/sound sensors 41 and/oracoustical/vibration output devices 42 can be combined into a singlemember or members, and/or configured into or with other members orcomponents of marker 50. Vibration/sound sensors 41 could comprise asonic sensor, audio sensor, acoustic sensor, vibration sensitive sensoror any other suitable type of sensor for the measuring and/or sensingacoustical sounds and/or vibrations of marker 50 or its members.

Again, in one representative form, elements or members of marker 50 canbe connected, such as vibration/sound sensors 41, and/or connected tocircuit board 66 through a detachable or separable connection, asdescribed above. Also, in another representative form, elements ormembers of marker 50 can be connected, such as vibration/sound sensors41, and/or connected to circuit board 66 through included data links ortransfer elements, again as set forth in greater detail below.

Referring collectively to FIG. 44, FIG. 45, and FIG. 46 a-b, arepresentative form of a linked or networked paintball system 750 isillustrated. In one form of the above form, linked paintball system 750can be configured that allows most, if not all, of paintball equipmentused by user 10 to be linked and/or sharing data. In one form, linkedsystem 750 can be configured with marker 50 that includes a data orinformation system 760 that informs or transmits the operational status,condition, or parameters of marker 50 and/or other paintball equipment,to user 10 and/or other paintball equipment. Information system 750 canbe further configured to inform, guide, warn, and/or instruct user 10 ofother operational information, as well as, overall game information. Inanother form, information system 750 can be configured to share, inform,instruct, and/or transmit the operational status, condition,instructions, or parameters of paintball equipment or equipment memberswith other paintball equipment or equipment members. In one form,information system 750 includes transfer elements or data links 752connected with a circuit board 66, such as circuit board 66 of marker50, as described above (see FIG. 5). The transfer elements or data links752 can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED sensor, an infraredsensor, an infrared transmitter, R.F. sensor, R.F. transmitter, sonicsensor, sonic transmitter, or any other suitable type of transmitter,receiver, and/or sensor.

In one representative form, selected operational information is sent ortransferred to a player unit or element 754 that is worn, affixed,and/or attached to user 10 and/or to equipment that is worn, affixed,and/or attached to user 10, such as, the paintball pod harness 772 orgoggle system 762. For example, player unit 754 can be configured with asignaling or informing unit, which is a vibrating unit or device 757 inthis form. Player unit 754 can be attached to user 10, such as, on thebelt of user 10, to inform user 10 of significant information (i.e.—alow compressed gas pressure signal from pressure sensor 46 or a fouledbreech signal from breech sensor 78 (see FIG. 5)), through detectablevibrating signals. Further, information indicated and/or displayedthrough indicators 73 of marker 50, as described above (see FIG. 5), canbe additionally indicated and/or displayed through indicators 73configured into the goggle system 762 of user 10 (see FIG. 46 a-b).Also, the player unit 754 can be configured into or connected with saidgoggle system 762 of user 10. In one form, indicators 73 connected withplayer unit 754, of said goggle system 762 are configured to allow user10 to receive information without looking away from a target.

In one form, player unit 754 can be configured with an acoustical deviceor element 755 affixed or attached to the goggle system 762 of user 10,such as, on the protective face/ear covering. In another form, theacoustical element 755 of player unit 754 can be incorporated intoand/or housed into the goggle system 762 of user 10. Further, in onerepresentative form, the acoustical element 755 of player unit 754 canbe configured to allow user 10 to again receive information withoutlooking away from a target. For example, acoustical element 755 ofplayer unit 754 could inform user 10 of the proper angle(s) of barrel 54for lobbing paintballs onto target 12 b (see FIG. 4). Thus, user 10could position barrel 54 in a lobbing angle without looking atindicators 73 on marker 50.

While some paintball markers of today send or transmit a signal to thepaintball hopper 63 that the marker has fired a paintball and anotherpaintball needs to be loaded; none transmit operational informationdirectly to the user 10. Also, some paintball markers and paintballhoppers of today are configured with game play information, such as agame timer, none transmit this game play information to the user in aneffective and/or efficient manner. Further, while some goggle systemscan include acoustical game timers, none of the goggle systems of todayinclude operational information of the marker and/or the paintballhopper. Those skilled in the art would recognize that most, if not all,the paintball equipment, such as, the marker 50, the paintball hopper63, the goggle system 762, the paintball pod harness 772, etc. can belinked together. Also, said paintball equipment can be linked with auser 10. Further, a user 10 can be linked to said paintball equipment.For example, the goggle system 762 can be configured with a data link752 that allows user 10 to control one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50. In one form of the above form, data link 752 can beconfigured with an audio pick up or microphone 764 (see FIG. 46 a-b),there by allowing user 10 to acoustically control marker 50, such as,“marker semi auto mode” to change marker 50 to semi automatic fire mode,“marker energy saving mode” to change marker 50 to a set energy savingfire mode (as set forth in greater detail below), “marker 10 RPS” tochange the RPS of marker 50 to 10 rounds per second, etc.

Further, player unit 754 can be configured with a controller, such as,circuit board 66 connected with a power source 68. In one form, circuitboard 66 can be connected and/or configured with sensors, as describedherein. For example, player unit 754 with a data link 752 can beconfigured with motion sensor 47 (see FIG. 5) attached to goggle system762, thus user 10 can control one or more operating parameters of marker50 through programmed head gestures.

In another form, information system 750 includes a paintball hopper unitor element 756. Hopper unit 756 can be configured with a data link 752,there by allowing the operational status, condition, or parameterinformation of hopper 63 to be transferred, transmitted, or shared withmarker 50 and/or user 10 through player unit 754. In one form, hopperunit 756 can be configured with a controller, such as, circuit board 66connected with a power source 68. In another form, hopper unit 756 canbe configured with an existing controller and/or power source of hopper63. In one form, circuit board 66 can be connected and/or configuredwith sensors, as described herein. For example, hopper unit 756 with adata link 752 can be configured with sensors or a sensor array, similarto breech sensor 78 (see FIG. 5), to monitor or determine the statusand/or condition of paintball hopper 63, such as whether or notpaintball hopper 63 has a low level of paintballs or paintball hopper 63is fouled with broken paintballs.

In another form, hopper unit 756 with a data link 752, in communicationwith circuit board 66 of marker 50, can be configured to control orinfluence one or more operating parameters of marker 50. For example,part of information system 750 can include circuit board 66 of marker 50configured with data link 752 and hopper unit 756 configured with datalink 752. Another part of information system 750 can include player unit754 configured with data link 752 incorporated into and/or housed intoor on the goggle system 762; player unit 754 in this illustrativeexample includes acoustical element 755 and indicators 73. Hopper unit756 senses a low level or quantity of paintballs in the reservoir orcavity of paintball hopper 63 through a connected conditional sensorarray, as described above. Hopper unit 756 shares this determined valuewith circuit board 66 of marker 50 and player unit 754 throughtransmitted signals from and to respectively connected data links 752.Thus, circuit board 66 of marker 50 reduces the RPS limit from 13 RPS to10 RPS, as pre configured and/or programmed by user 10. Also, user 10being aware of or alerted to the status of paintball hopper 63 throughthe acoustical element 755, as well as the visual indication or alertfrom indicators 73 of player unit 754 of goggle system 762, is able torefill paintball hopper 63 before running out of paintballs.

In another representative form, units or elements of linked system 750,as well as, other paintball equipment of user 10, can be configured toinclude proximity and/or relationship components 69 (see FIG. 46 b). Inone form, proximity components 69 can react to, confirm, consider,measure, and/or analyze their relationship to other proximity sensors69. In another form, proximity components 69 can react to, confirm,consider, measure, and/or analyze their lack of relationship to otherproximity components 69. In one form, proximity components 69 can beconfigured to be a transmittal and/or contributive component in natureor design. In another form, proximity components 69 can be configured tobe a receptive and/or receiver able component in nature or design.Further, in one form, proximity components 69 can be configured to be atransmittal and/or contributive component in nature or design, whilealso being, a receptive and/or receiver able component in nature ordesign. In one representative form, proximity components 69 and/ormembers of proximity components 69 can be configured to be passiveand/or reactive in nature or design. While in another representativeform, proximity components 69 and/or members of proximity components 69can be configured to be responsive and/or active in nature or design.Proximity and/or relationship component 69 of linked system 750 cancomprise an optical eye or component, a LED sensor or component, amagnetic sensor or component, a sonic sensor or component, a radar, aninfrared sensor or component, a laser sensor or component, R.F. sensoror component, or any other suitable type of proximity and/orrelationship sensor or component.

In one representative form, information system 750 can be configuredwith a plurality of relationship components 69 in or on the paintballequipment and/or elements of user 10. While, in another form,information system 750 can be configured with a plurality ofrelationship components 69 in or on the paintball playing field or area,such as, in the obstacles or bunkers. In yet another form, linked system750 with proximity components 69 can be configured to measure, confirm,consider, and/or analyze their relationship to other proximitycomponents 69 of other players and/or their lack of relationship toother proximity components 69 of said other players.

In one form, linked information system 750 can include a plurality ofcircuit boards 66 configured with a plurality of relationship components69. In one form of the above form, the circuit boards 66 with connectedrelationship components 69 can be configured to control, adjust and/orchange one or more of operating parameters of a user's elements and/orequipment, such as marker 50. For example, when user 10 is in closeproximity to an opponent, marker 50 would automatically switch to anenergy saving mode and/or a safety mode, as described above. In anotherillustrated example, user 10 trips and drops marker 50. Circuit board 66of marker 50 would go into stand by mode from determined value of theseparation of the proximity components 69 in user's 10 gloves and theproximity components 69 in marker 50.

Further, in another illustrated example, user 10 has configured gogglesystem 762 of information system 750 to primarily display the determinedtilt angle for barrel 54 of marker 50, through indicators 73 whenlobbing paintballs at an opponent, such as target 12 b, as describedabove. User 10 has also configured player unit 754 attached to gogglesystem 762, with proximity component 69 connected to circuit board 66,to switch display or indication modes of indicators 73 when a respectiveproximity component 69 of user's 10 glove is in relationship to aproximity component 69 of player unit 754 of goggle system 762. Thereby, allowing user 10 to switch between information displayed withindicators 73 by positioning a non trigger finger near player unit 754of goggle system 762. Such as, no finger proximity component69=determined lobbing angle display, first finger proximity component69=operational status of marker 50 display, second finger proximitycomponent 69=operational status of paintball hopper 63 display, thirdfinger proximity component 69=overall game information display, firstand second finger proximity components 69=mute of acoustical element 755of player unit 754 of goggle system 762, etc.

In another representative example, user 10 can configure paintball podharness 772 to release and/or open a paintball pod when a proximitycomponent 69, of user's 10 glove, is in relationship with a proximitysensor 69 of paintball pod harness 772. Also, paintball hopper 63 can beconfigured to self open with an actuator, such as actuator 195 (see FIG.15 and FIG. 22 a-c), when a proximity component 69 in user's 10 glove orin a paintball pod, is in relationship with a proximity component 69 ofpaintball hopper unit 756. Further, hopper 63 can be configured toautomatically reposition, to ease the loading of paintballs, throughpaintball feed system 30 (see FIG. 37 a-f), when a proximity component69 in user's 10 glove, is in relationship with a proximity component 69of paintball hopper unit 756.

Those skilled in the art would recognize that some of the sharing,linking, and/or communicating between paintball equipment and/orelements of information system 750 can be configured physically ormechanically. For example, circuit board 66 of marker system 760 can beconnected, linked, and/or in association with paintball hopper 63 andhopper unit 756 through physical connections, such as, connector or link292 and connector or link 294 (see FIG. 41 b). Also, it would berecognized that particular, specific, and/or individual informationsystems 750 can be configured and/or linked into a group informationsystem, such as, a team informational sharing system. For example, user10 could be aware that a fellow team member is running low on compressedgas and has switched to an energy saving mode, through the grouping ofthe team's systems 750. Thus, user 10 could take over the fellow teammember's pregame assigned longer shots and said fellow team member couldbe assigned a new duty or position on the play field. Also, the viewingaudience or spectators can be informed of the situation and alerted towatch for said fellow team member to make a move up the field.

Further, it would be recognized by those skilled in the art, that theunits, components, and/or members of the information system 750 can beconfigured to include a plurality of electronic circuit boards 66 thatare configured to monitor and/or control various functional aspects ofthe paintball equipment of user 10, such as marker 50, paintball hopper63, goggle system 762, paintball pod harness 772, etc. Also, saidplurality of electronic circuit boards 66 of system 750 can be connectedwith controls and/or sensors, as described herein. In one representativeform, the units, components, and/or members of the information system750 that include a circuit board 66, can be configured to include aprocessor 101 that is programmable to execute one or more softwareroutines, as illustrated in player unit 754 of the paintball pod harness772 (see FIG. 46 a) and/or player unit 754 of the player hand wear orgloves (see FIG. 46 b). Processor 101 can comprise a microprocessor ormicroprocessors that include on-board memory for storing executableprogram code and/or memory may be connected with processor 101.

Still further, it would be recognized by those skilled in the art, thatthe components and/or members of the information system 750 can beconfigured, housed, or laid out in a different manner or method. Also,the linking, sharing, communicating, and/or exchange of instructions,information, determined values, and/or status conditions can beconfigured or laid out in a different manner or method.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 to 46; in one representative form,projectile accelerator 50 comprises an on the fly velocity adjustmentfeature or method, which is operable to allow user 10 to manually and/orselectively adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 of marker 50 at a range of velocities ranging from an uppervelocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In another form, marker 50includes a velocity adjustment feature or method that is automaticallyconfigured to adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 of marker 50 at a range of velocities ranging from an uppervelocity setting to a lower velocity setting; as well as a RPS settingand/or a firing mode. In yet another form; marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment method that suggests or advises user 10 of possible velocitysettings and/or their value, ranging from an upper velocity setting to alower velocity setting, as well as possible angles of barrel 54, RPSsetting, and/or fire mode for the elimination of a selected target.

In another form, user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballsat target 12 a, using a marker 50 set or configured to expel paintballsat an upper velocity setting (see FIG. 3). User 10 is firing saidprojectiles at target 12 a in a semi automatic firing mode. User 10 thenengages target 12 b, which is behind obstacle 16, with marker 50 whichincludes distance sensor 75, indicators 73, and tilt sensors 48connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5). Circuit board 66 of marker50 being aware of the distance to target 12 b through distance sensor 75can calculate or determine one or more angles for barrel 54 and thenindicate the proper angle(s) of barrel 54 to user 10 through tiltsensors 48 and indicators 73.

As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 a, circuit board 66 isconfigured to illuminate either the up or down arrows of indicators 73to inform user 10 which way to move barrel 54 of marker 50 to placemarker 50 at the one or more calculated angles. The circular shapedlight of indicators 73 is used to inform user 10 that marker 50 has beenpositioned at a proper angle. Once user 10 positions marker 50 in arespective calculated angle, circuit board 66 can calculate or determinethe proper projectile velocity settings required to lob projectiles orpaintballs on to target 12 b. In one form of the above form, circuitboard 66 automatically controls one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50 to achieve said calculated velocity settings for user 10. User10 then presses trigger 62 thereby causing marker 50 to expelprojectiles from marker 50 at the plurality of calculated velocities.For example, in 5-shot burst mode, marker 50 automatically expels fivepaintballs at five different velocities at target 12 b. In thealternative, marker 50 could be set to expel projectiles in a lobbingmanner at the same velocity.

In another form, user 10 again engages target 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 with marker 50 which comprises distance sensor 75,indicators 73, and tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 5). Circuit board 66 of marker 50 knowing the distance to target 12b through distance sensor 75 indicates to user 10 one or more calculatedbarrel 54 angle(s) and velocity setting(s) (see FIG. 6 a-6 c) throughindicators 73, in order to lob projectiles on to target 12 b. In thisform, although circuit board 66 has calculated the velocity andpreferred angle, user 10 may have set a preference, via controls 77, formanual adjustment of the velocity using either velocity controller 76 orvelocity adjustment mechanism 52. Once user 10 has adjusted the velocitysetting to the calculated setting, circuit board 66 is configured toilluminate an indicator 73 thereby informing user 10 that the calculatedvelocity setting has been reached. As with the previous form, circuitboard 66 can also be configured to illuminate indicators 73 informinguser 10 that the velocity setting needs to be increased or decreased inorder to reach the calculated velocity setting. For example, the up anddown or right and left indicators 73 illustrated in FIG. 6 a could beused.

In one form, user 10 can configure marker 50 to recognize and/or addvalue to a preference for a velocity setting or velocity settingsbetween an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. Also,user 10 can configure marker 50 to recognize and/or add value to apreference for an angle or angles of barrel 54. For example, user 10 isfiring projectiles or paintballs at target 12 a, using a marker 50 setor configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see FIG.3). User 10 then engages target 12 b with marker 50 which includesdistance sensor 75, indicators 73, and tilt sensors 48 connected withcircuit board 66 (see FIG. 5). Circuit board 66 knowing the distance totarget 12 b through distance sensor 75 can calculate one or more anglesfor barrel 54 and one or more velocity settings between an uppervelocity setting and a lower velocity setting. User 10 having preset apreference for a preferred angle of barrel 54, circuit board 66 candetermine if one or more of calculated velocity settings areappropriate, that is, for the user preferred angle at that determineddistance. If so, circuit board 66 can configure marker 50 to expelprojectiles at the proper velocity setting, in one form, or guide user10 to the proper velocity setting through indicators 73, in anotherform. User 10 then positions barrel 54 in the user pre selected anglethrough indicators 73.

If the pre selected preferred angle for barrel 54 does not have amatching calculated velocity setting for target 12 b, circuit board 66can inform user 10 of closest calculated angle for barrel 54 throughindicators 73, circuit board 66 can then calculate a velocity settingfor marker 50 when user 10 positions barrel 54 in said closestcalculated angle. Thus, circuit board 66 can calculate one or morevelocity settings for an angle of barrel 54 and/or circuit board 66 cancalculate one or more angles of barrel 54 for a velocity setting.

In another form, user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a, usingmarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocitysetting (see FIG. 3). User 10 again is firing projectiles at target 12 ain semi automatic mode. User 10 then engages target 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 with marker 50. In this form, circuit board 66 of marker 50is configured for burst mode (i.e. 5 shot burst per trigger pull) whenmarker 50 is lobbing projectiles between an upper velocity setting and alower velocity setting. Tilt sensors 48 of marker 50 can be configuredto selectively select between fire modes of circuit board 66.

In another form, circuit board 66 is configured to automaticallyselectively select between different firing modes of marker 50 as afunction of signals received from tilt sensors 48. For example user 10is firing at target 12 a in semi automatic mode, and then fires attarget 12 b in 5 shot lobbing burst mode by positioning marker 50 in acalculated or predetermined angle as before. This pre programmed selfselection of the firing mode is determined by the angle of the marker 50through tilt sensors 48 and circuit board 66. Marker 50 is configured toselectively select or self select the semi automatic mode when user 10returns to firing at target 12 a as a function of tilt sensors 48 andcircuit board 66.

The automatic or self selection of the upper velocity setting in thesemi automatic mode from the lobbing burst mode, would also occur whentarget 12 b came around obstacle 16 and was exposed to user 10, therebygiving user 10 a more direct shot at target 12 b. This automaticselection of the upper velocity setting in the semi-automatic mode canbe a function of the sensor reading received by circuit board 66 fromtilt sensor 48. As marker 50 is tilted or positioned along latitudinalaxis LA-LA (see FIG. 32), such that barrel 54 is positioned at apredetermined angle relative to the ground G, circuit board 66 isprogrammed or configured to automatically switch firing modes. Forexample, in this mode of operation, if tilt sensor 48 senses that marker50 is positioned at an angle anything less than 35° relative to groundG, circuit board 66 is configured to set marker 50 in semi-automaticstraight fire mode such that marker 50 shoots directly at target 12 b.If tilt sensor 48 senses that marker 50 is positioned at an anglegreater than 35° relative to ground G, circuit board 66 is configured toautomatically set marker 50 in 5 shot lobbing burst mode. Marker 50 canbe configured to fire in any one of a number of straight shot firingmodes, such as semi-automatic mode, burst mode, ramp mode or fullyautomatic mode.

Further, in another form, user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a,using marker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an uppervelocity setting (see FIG. 3). User 10 is firing projectiles at target12 a in semi automatic straight shot mode. User 10 then engages target12 b which is behind obstacle 16 with marker 50. In this form, marker 50comprises the self selecting lobbing burst mode as a function of tiltsensors 48 and circuit board 66 as described above. Further, marker 50is configured to include a velocity spreader mode, which can be used inconjunction with different fire modes (i.e. semi auto, burst, ramp, fullauto, etc.). The velocity spreader mode separates projectiles fired intoselected or programmed groups or volleys, and then separates thevelocity of the projectiles within these volleys such that eachprojectile is assigned a distinct velocity. For example in this form,user 10 is engaging targets 12 a, 12 b as described before (target 12a—upper velocity setting/self selecting semi automatic mode, 12b—reduced velocity setting/self selecting lobbing burst mode). In thevelocity spreader mode, in this form, the velocity of the projectileswithin the lobbing burst mode's volley are separated or spread out (i.e.5 shots—160-170-180-190-200 FPS). The spread in velocity of thepaintballs in substantially arc shaped paths 18, of the self selectinglobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, allows user 10 more coverageand/or control of a larger target area TA and provides for quickertarget acquisition. Thus the above configured marker 50 with selfselecting lobbing burst mode and velocity spreader mode, allows user 10,on the fly, to engage and eliminate target 12 b behind obstacle 16efficiently, while still engaging target 12 a at will, such as in thesemi automatic straight shot mode.

Those skilled in the art would recognize that the above configuredmarker 50 with lobbing mode and/or velocity spreader mode isprogrammable for the “semi automatic only” rules used by some paintballvenues or fields. For example, in this form, user 10 is engaging targets12 a, 12 b as described above (see FIG. 3), but in semi automatic modeonly. As before user 10 switches engagement from target 12 a to target12 b such that the lobbing mode is self selected through the cooperationof tilt sensors 48 and circuit board 66. Then configured marker 50 withthe velocity spreader mode cycles though the programmed number of shotsas in the burst mode, but one trigger pull at a time (i.e.—5 triggerpulls=160-170-180-190-200 FPS, starting over every 5 trigger pulls).Those skilled in the art would also recognize that the above configuredmarker 50 with velocity spreader mode is programmable for the full autoor ramp modes (i.e. 160-170-180-190-200 FPS, starting over every 5 shotsuntil trigger activation stops) or (i.e. 160-170-180-190-200 FPS for thefirst 5 shots, then 200-190-180-170-160 FPS for the next 5 shots;replicating until trigger activation stops).

The number of shots in a spread of the velocity spreader mode isprogrammable (i.e. 2 shot—burst or spread, 3 shot—volley or spread, 4shot—group or spread, etc.), and that groups or volleys of the velocityspreader mode can be assembled in clusters and/or collections (i.e. 3shot group followed by 5 shot group, replicating). Further, it would berecognized that the velocity spread or velocity difference in a group orvolley is also programmable (i.e. 5 FPS spread between projectiles, 10FPS spread between projectiles, etc.). Still further, the position ofthe calculated velocity is programmable, as well. For example, as in anillustrative form above, 180 FPS is the calculated or determinedvelocity needed for user 10 to lob projectiles on to target 12 b whichis behind obstacle 16. Also in above illustrated examples; 180 FPS is inthe center position of 5 shot group or volley, 2 positions before 180FPS and 2 positions after, as in 160-170-180-190-200 FPS. Thiscalculated velocity (i.e. 180 FPS) can be programmable set and/orpositioned in a group and/or cluster (i.e. {5 shot volley} from:160-170-180-190-200 FPS, to: 170-180-190-200-210 FPS); or (i.e. {3shot-5 shot cluster} from: 170-180-190 FPS/160-170-180-190-200 FPS, to:170-180-190 FPS/170-180-180-180-190 FPS). Further still, it would berecognized that the RPS in a group is programmable and the RPS in acollection of groups is programmable (i.e. {3 shot-5 shot cluster orcollection} 13 RPS-rounds per second pace for the 3 shot group and 10RPS—rounds per second pace for the 5 shot group).

In another form, marker 50 can be configured to include a saturationmode. For example, user 10 engages target 12 b behind obstacle 16 withmarker 50. User 10 is lobbing paintballs onto target 12 b using thevelocity spreader mode arranged into a collection or cluster of 3 groupswith 3 shots each. In this example, the middle group in the cluster ispart of a programmable saturation mode, while the first and last groupsare velocity spreader mode groups, as described above, (i.e.—{firstgroup} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 180-180-180 FPS, {third group}170-180-190 FPS). The saturation mode allows user 10 to program adistinct velocity setting into a group or in a collection of groups.Further, the saturation mode allows user 10 to program a distinct valueto a calculated velocity or a velocity setting. For example, marker 50includes distance sensor 75; circuit board 66 of marker 50, incooperation with distance sensor 75, determines the calculated velocitysetting is 180 FPS for the angle of barrel 54 and for the distance totarget 12 b. User 10 programs marker 50 for the velocity spreader modein 3 shot groups clustered into 3 groups, as described above. The centergroup, in this form, is a saturation group that has a distinct value,such as plus 5 FPS (i.e.—{first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group}185-185-185 FPS, {third group} 170-180-190 FPS) or such as minus 5 FPS,as in (i.e.—{first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 175-175-175FPS, {third group} 170-180-190 FPS).

The velocity spreader mode configured with the saturation mode, in acollection of groups, allows the velocity spreader groups to act asspotters for the saturation groups. For example, user 10 is lobbingprojectiles at target 12 b behind obstacle 16. Obstacle 16, in thisexample, is too tall or large for user 10 to conclude whether theprojectiles of a single velocity lobbing mode are over shooting target12 b. Thus, user 10 configures marker 50 for 3 shot-3 group velocityspreader mode with saturation mode, as described above and as in (i.e.{first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 185-185-185 FPS, {thirdgroup} 170-180-190 FPS). The first and third groups give user 10 somearea coverage of the target area TA and the center group saturates thetarget area TA. Also, in this illustrated example, the 170 FPSprojectiles of first and third groups impact the ground G in front ofobstacle 16, while the 180 FPS projectiles of first and third groupsimpact on said enlarged obstacle 16, thus both can be used by user 10 astrajectory guides, for the other unseen projectiles of the collection.The distinct value of plus 5 FPS added to calculated velocity of 180 FPSallows user 10 to clear the enlarged obstacle 16.

In yet another form, a lobbing fire mode can include or be combined witha spotter round, as illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, a spotter roundcan be included in or combined with the lobbing burst mode, the lobbingfull automatic mode, the lobbing semi automatic mode, the lobbing rampmode, the velocity spreader mode, etc. Further, a spotter round can beindependently programmed to a distinct velocity setting and/or adistinct value. For example, user 10 engages target 12 b, hiding behindobstacle 16, with marker 50 configured to the spotter round velocityspreader fire mode (see FIG. 4). User 10, in this illustrated form, doesnot want to possibly pre warn target 12 b to the forth comingprojectiles of the velocity spreader mode, and thus user 10 sets thespotter round to a distinct value of minus 20 FPS. The spotter roundfalls predicatively short and unseen by target 12 b, while stillallowing user 10 to make any necessary adjustments for the upcomingvelocity spreader mode.

In still another form, the velocity spreader mode can be configured as aprobing fire mode. In one form, the probing fire mode can allow user 10to determine a velocity setting, for a barrel angle, to lob paintballsonto a target area TA. For example, user 10, not knowing the distance totarget area TA, in this example, position marker 50 in a lobbing angleand set marker 50 to full automatic velocity spreader mode, in a 15paintball grouping, with a starting velocity setting of 130 FPS. User 10aims marker 50 towards the target area TA and activates trigger sensor70, while maintaining the angle of barrel 54. Marker 50 would then expelprojectiles in a forward progressive walking manner toward the targetarea TA. The projectiles would continue progressing or walking towardand overcome the target area TA unless they reached their grouping limitof 15 paintballs. In one form, user 10 can stop the progression ofpaintballs walking toward target area TA, once the target area isreached, through controls 77. In one form, circuit board 66 of marker 50can save this stopping point as a determined velocity setting. Thus,user 10 can then use this determined velocity setting to reengage thetarget area TA, if necessary, without the probing fire mode.

Those skilled in the art, in particularly, those skilled in tournamentpaintball would recognize that probing fire mode would allow establishedplayers to zero in the upper edge of an opponent's bunker or obstacle.Thus, lipping or slightly over shooting the obstacle to eliminate and/orpin down the opponent. For example, in one form, the lipping of anobstacle can allow the user 10 to lob projectiles at an opponent, suchas target 12 b, while maintaining a low angle of barrel 54. While, thelobbing of projectiles, having a reduced velocity setting(s) of alobbing mode, with a low angle of barrel 54, might allow said opponentto avoid being eliminated; the lipping of paintballs, with a lowervelocity setting, over obstacle 16, still allows user 10 to pin downtarget 12 b while his/her team mates maneuver. Further still, the lowangle of barrel 54 allows user 10 a quicker shot at a possiblemaneuvering opponent or other targets, such as target 12 a. Thus, user10 can select a low arced path, intermediate arced path, and/or a higharced path to lob projectiles at a target, such as target 12 b, asdesired by user 10.

In another form, user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a, usingmarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocitysetting (see FIG. 3). User 10 then engages target 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 with marker 50. In this form, marker 50 includes the selfselecting lobbing mode as a function of the tilt sensors 48 and circuitboard 66; and programmable velocity spreader mode, as described above.Also in this form, marker 50 comprises controls 77. While circuit board66 is the principal controller, controls 77 are an additional orsecondary controller. Controls 77 are a programmable controller for thetuning or adjustment of one or more operating parameters of marker 50.For example, as described, user 10 engages target 12 b behind obstacle16 with marker 50, but is shooting into a strong head wind. Controls 77can be configured to allow user 10 to adjust or tune the reading fromdistance sensor 75 and/or tilt sensors 48, or their values. Thus,allowing user 10 to properly engage target 12 b despite the strong headwind.

Further, in another example, user 10 is currently firing projectiles attarget 12 b with marker 50 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode,but is unable to eliminate target 12 b because of uncontrollablecircumstances. However, user 10 is keeping target 12 b pinned down andeffectively out of play of the game. Controls 77 of marker 50 areconfigured to allow user 10 to adjust the rate of fire or rounds persecond (RPS) of the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, so that user10 can pin down target 12 b more effectively and/or longer beforereloading. In another form of the above form, where controls 77 areprogrammed to adjust the RPS within the lobbing burst-velocity spreadermode of marker 50, controls 77 can be further programmed to switchmarker 50 to “semi automatic only” at one end the controller, and tofull auto at the other end of the controller; while controlling the RPSof the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode with the in-between settingsof controls 77.

Yet further, in still another example, user 10 is currently firingprojectiles at target 12 b with above configured marker 50 in thelobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, but is unable to currentlyeliminate target 12 b because of uncontrollable circumstances, as in theabove example. In this example however, user 10 needs to eliminatetarget 12 b. If controls 77 of marker 50 were programmed to adjust thespread of the velocity within the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode(i.e. from 10 FPS programmed velocity spread like 160-170-180-190-200FPS to a 5 FPS programmed velocity spread like 170-175-180-185-190 FPS).The more concentrated fire of the now adjusted velocity spreader modewill allow user 10 to better eliminate target 12 b behind obstacle 16,while still having some of the area coverage of the velocity spreadermode. Thus, user 10 can pre program and/or re program the self selectinglobbing fire mode and/or velocity spreader fire mode.

In another form, user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballsat target 12 a, using a compressed gas projectile accelerator 50 set orconfigured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see FIG.3). User 10 then engages target 12 b which is behind obstacle 16 withsaid marker 50 which includes indicators 73 and tilt sensors 48connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5). In this form, distancesensor 75 is not connected to circuit board 66 or is not allowed.However controls 77 can be programmed to set the known or estimateddistance to target 12 b. Circuit board 66 of marker 50 knowing thedistance to target 12 b through controls 77 can calculate or determinepossible angle or angles for barrel 54 and then indicate said angle(s)of barrel 54 to user 10 through tilt sensors 48 and indicators 73. Onceuser 10 positions marker 50 in one or more calculated angles, circuitboard 66 can automatically calculate or determine the projectilevelocity settings required to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target12 b.

In another form, user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a and target12 b with marker 50. Marker 50 includes distance sensor 75, indicators73, and tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5).And in this form, marker 50 includes the self selecting lobbing burstmode as a function of the tilt sensors 48 and circuit board 66; andprogrammable velocity spreader mode, as described above. Also in thisform, distance sensor 75 and/or its determined value are programmableand/or re programmable to adjust one or more operating parameters ofsaid marker 50. For example, user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12a with marker 50 configured to expel projectiles at an upper velocitysetting (see FIG. 3). User 10 then tries to eliminate target 12 a usingthe self selecting lobbing burst mode by positioning marker 50 in apredetermined lobbing angle, as described above. Marker 50 being awareof the distance to target 12 a through distance sensor 75, recognizestarget 12 a is beyond the set or programmed distance limit of the selfselecting lobbing burst mode and thus remains in semi automatic mode.

Further, in another example, user 10 is currently firing projectiles attarget 12 b behind obstacle 16, with above configured marker 50 in theself selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (see FIG. 3), but isunable to eliminate target 12 b because of uncontrollable circumstances.Target 12 b moves to get an advantage and runs by user 10. If user 10engaged now adjacent target 12 b, marker 50 would self select the semiautomatic mode, at the upper velocity setting; as a function of the morelevel angular position of marker 50 as sensed by tilt sensors 48. Marker50 knowing the distance to target 12 b through distance sensor 75automatically adjusts the velocity setting of marker 50 to a saferand/or lower velocity setting. Many, if not most, paintball fields orvenues have a surrender rule for recreational paintball players (i.e. aplayer is not allowed to shoot another player at 10 feet or closer, oneof the players must surrender). This is for the players' safety, becausethe markers are set at one velocity setting; which comprises the uppervelocity setting.

The described safer and/or lower velocity setting for an adjacentopponent or target can be configured as an operational fire mode. Thissurrender mode, for the sake of brevity, can be configured to be preprogrammable and/or re programmable. Such as, the distance to a targetor the determined value from distance sensor 75 could be set, reset,and/or adjusted. Also the selected velocity setting for the safer lowervelocity setting could be set, reset, and/or adjusted. Also thesurrender mode can be configured as the default setting for the lobbingmode, such as a low power source situation. Further, the surrender modecan be user 10 selected through controls 77.

In another form, user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballsat target 12 a, using a compressed gas projectile accelerator 50 set orconfigured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see FIG.3). User 10 is also engaging target 12 b which is behind obstacle 16with marker 50 in the self adjusting and/or selecting lobbingburst-velocity spreader mode. In this form, marker 50 includes distancesensor 75, indicators 73, and tilt sensors 48 connected with circuitboard 66 (see FIG. 5); described above. Additionally, marker 50 includesspeed sensor 72 connected with circuit board 66. Speed sensor 72 isconfigured to permit determination of a velocity of a projectile exitingmarker 50. Circuit board 66 is adapted to adjust one or more operatingparameters of marker 50 as a function of the velocity determination fromspeed sensor 72 and the desired velocity setting. Thus, circuit board 66in cooperation with speed sensor 72 is configured to adjust the velocityof marker 50 to the calculated or desired velocity setting to allow user10 to engage target 12 b with the lobbing burst-velocity spreader modemore effectively. For example, user 10 tunes in or verifies marker 50 isperforming properly before play starts, such as being under the uppervelocity limit and is on target while in the lobbing burst-velocityspreader mode. Then as the ambient temperature and/or the temperature ofmarker 50 changes the operating gas pressure of marker 50 during play,user 10 can then stay on target in the lobbing burst-velocity spreadermode through speed sensor 72. Also user 10 will not exceed the uppervelocity setting when not in lobbing mode when engaging target 12 a.Further, user 10 will not exceed the RPS setting, as speed sensor 72 canbe configured to verify and adjust marker 50 to a RPS setting.

In yet another form, user 10 is firing projectiles or paintballs attarget 12 a, using a marker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs atan upper velocity setting (see FIG. 3). User 10 is also engaging target12 b which is behind obstacle 16 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreadermode with marker 50; which includes distance sensor 75, indicators 73,controls 77, tilt sensors 48 and speed sensor 72 connected with circuitboard 66 (see FIG. 5). Marker 50 also includes pressure sensor 46connected with circuit board 66. Pressure sensor 46 is configured topermit determination of the operational pressure of compressed gasand/or its value. Circuit board 66 is configured to adjust one or moreoperating parameters of marker 50, as a function of the sensed pressurevalue by pressure sensor 46, and the desired velocity setting, and/orthe fire mode. For example, as in previous illustrated form, user 10 isengaging target 12 a and target 12 b with marker 50 configured, asdescribed above. As the ambient temperature and/or the temperature ofmarker 50 changes the operating gas pressure of marker 50 during play,user 10 can then stay on target in the lobbing burst-velocity spreadermode through speed sensor 72 and/or pressure sensor 46. Also during playmarker 50 determines that the desired pressure determination and/or itsvalue for engaging target 12 b cannot be maintained in the lobbingburst-velocity spreader mode at its current RPS setting. Pressure sensor46 adjusts or reduces the RPS setting to allow user 10 to stay properlyengaged with target 12 b.

In still another form, user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles orpaintballs at target 12 a, using a compressed gas projectile accelerator50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting(see FIG. 3). User 10 is also engaging target 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode with marker 50,which includes distance sensor 75, indicators 73, controls 77, tiltsensors 48 and speed sensor 72 connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG.5). Marker 50 also includes breech sensor 78 connected with circuitboard 66. Breech sensor 78 is configured to permit determination of thestatus of breech 79. For example, since the breech sensor 78 is an arrayof sensors, breech sensor 78 can determine or verify an operationalmembers' position (i.e. such as the bolt) in respect to a paintball'sposition and/or their separation, as a function of the velocity settingand firing modes and/or their values.

Additionally in the above form, breech sensor 78 can be configured todetermine the breech's status and/or condition, such as whether or notbreech 79 is fouled with broken paintballs. A fouled breech can affectthe velocity of fired paintballs and/or affect the readings from speedsensor 72. For example, user 10 is engaging target 12 a with aboveconfigured marker 50 at the upper velocity setting. User 10 is alsoengaging target 12 b behind obstacle 16 with marker 50 in the lobbingburst-velocity spreader mode. Breech 79 of marker 50 becomes fouled inthe engagement, breech sensor 78 then indicates the fouled breech touser 10 through indicators 73. Also, the fouled breech status frombreech sensor 78 in marker 50 allows circuit board 66 to compensate forand/or change the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode; or allows user10 to compensate for the broken paintballs in breech 79 of marker 50with controls 77.

In still another form, projectile accelerator 50 is configured withmanually selected velocity adjustment mechanism 52, which includes amain velocity adjustor 80, selector 82, set screw 84, aperture 285, dial86, apertures 88, blocking pin 90, blocking pin 92, and detent 94,disclosed above (see FIG. 6 a-6 c). Also velocity adjustment mechanism52 comprises distance sensor 75, indicators 73, and tilt sensors 48connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5). In this illustrated form,user 10 sets the upper velocity setting through main velocity adjustor80 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52, prior to the start of play. User10 is then able to lob projectiles at a range of velocities ranging froman upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting; once play begins.In one form of the above form, user 10 is able to lob projectiles at arange of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lowervelocity setting, as calculated and/or indicated by circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 through indicators 73. For example, user 10 is firingprojectiles at target 12 a in semi automatic mode, with configured andset marker 50. User 10 then engages target 12 b which is behind obstacle16 with marker 50. Circuit board 66 of marker 50 being aware of thedistance to target 12 b through distance sensor 75 can calculate ordetermine one or more angles for barrel 54 and then indicate theangle(s) of barrel 54 to user 10 through tilt sensors 48 and indicators73. Once user 10 positions marker 50 in a calculated angle, circuitboard 66 can automatically calculate or determine the projectilevelocity setting needed to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target 12b. Circuit board 66 can then indicate the calculated velocity settingfor velocity adjustment mechanism 52 of marker 50 to user 10 throughindicators 73.

In another form, marker 50 is configured with velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 (see FIG. 6 a-6 c). Marker 50 includes distance sensor 75,indicators 73, and tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 5); as detailed in the above form. In this form though, velocityadjustment mechanism 52 includes speed sensor 72, breech sensor 78,controls 77, and situational connectors or links 44 and 45 connectedwith circuit board 66. Situational connectors or links 45 are aplurality of connectors positioned on dial 86 to match up with connector44 of selector 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (see FIG. 6 b).Circuit board 66 being status aware and/or situational alert to marker50 can further advise user 10 through indicators 73. For example,circuit board 66 of marker 50 can indicate corrections, recalculations,determination changes and/or status changes, and/or their value to user10 through indicators 73.

As an example, user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles at target 12 a,using above configured marker 50 set to expel paintballs at an uppervelocity setting (see FIG. 3). User 10 is also lobbing projectiles,along one or more arc shaped paths 18, onto target 12 b behind obstacle16. As user 10 switches between target 12 a and target 12 b, circuitboard 66 can indicate the appropriate barrel 54 angle(s) of marker 50 asrelated to the user 10 selected position of selector 82, or circuitboard 66 can indicate a new calculated setting for selector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 for a current angle of barrel 54. Inanother example, circuit board 66 of marker 50 can also indicate,through indicators 73, changes in barrel 54 angle(s) or position ofselector 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52, as it relates to adetermined value of speed sensor 72 and/or breech sensor 78. Also, thedetermined value of speed sensor 72 and/or breech sensor 78 can beadjusted by controls 77, as described above.

In another form, marker 50 is configured with velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 (see FIG. 6 a-6 c). Again marker 50 also includes distancesensor 75, indicators 73, speed sensor 72, breech sensor 78, a triggersensor 70, controls 77, connectors 45, connector 44, and tilt sensors 48connected with circuit board 66 (see FIGS. 5, 6 b). While those skilledin the art would recognize that above configured marker 50 could lobprojectiles onto a target, such as target 12 b (see FIG. 3), in alobbing burst mode (as disclosed above) as a function of velocityadjustment mechanism 52 and tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board66. Those skilled in the art would also recognize that configured marker50 could also lob projectiles onto a target, such as target 12 b (seeFIG. 3), in a velocity spreader mode (also disclosed above) as a manualfunction of selector 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52 connectedwith circuit board 66 through connectors 45 and connector 44; andindicators 73 and tilt sensors 48 also connected with circuit board 66.

In yet another form, marker 50 is configured with velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 (see FIG. 6 a-6 c). Marker 50 also comprises distancesensor 75, indicators 73, speed sensor 72, breech sensor 78, triggersensor 70, controls 77, connecters 45, connecter 44, solenoid valve 74,and tilt sensors 48 connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 5). Sincecircuit board 66 of marker 50 can comprise the self selecting lobbingburst mode and/or the velocity spreader mode, with manual assistance.Circuit board 66 of marker 50 can be configured for the combination firemode, the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (asdescribed above), but with manual assistance. For brevity, the selfselecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode. For example,user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a, at an upper velocitysetting with marker 50 (see FIG. 3). User 10 is also engaging target 12b in the self selecting lobbing burst—assisted velocity spreader modewith said marker 50.

Marker 50 includes velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (see FIGS. 6 a-6 c)connected with circuit board 66, through connecter 44 and connecters 45.Circuit board 66 being aware of the distance to target 12 b throughdistance sensor 75, and status aware through speed sensor 72 and breechsensor 78. User 10 simply positions marker 50 in the predetermined anglefor barrel 54, with the assistance of indicators 73; and moves selector82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52 from the upper velocity setting(i.e. FIG. 6 a) to the lower velocity setting (i.e. FIG. 6 c), whileactivating trigger sensor 70. Thus, circuit board 66 would release afire sequence to solenoid valve 74 every time connecter 44 of selector82 linked with and/or connected with a connecter 45 that had value, thatis, value to the programmed and/or calculated fire commands to lobprojectiles in one or more substantially arc shaped paths 18 of a selfselecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode.

The release of fire commands and/or sequences from circuit board 66 tosolenoid valve 74, as related to moving selector 82 of velocityadjustment mechanism 52 and velocity spreader mode, could be increasingand/or decreasing in nature (i.e. upper velocity setting to lowervelocity setting or lower velocity setting to upper velocity setting).Thus, user 10 could lob projectiles onto target 12 b, back to front thenfront to back as a function of the movement of selector 82 from theupper velocity setting to the lower velocity setting, and then from thelower velocity setting to the upper velocity setting, while activatingtrigger sensor 70. Additionally, the release of fire commands and/oroperational commands from circuit board 66 to solenoid valve 74, asrelated to moving or rotating selector 82 of velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 and velocity spreader mode while activating trigger sensor70, can be further controlled through circuit board 66 and/or controls77.

For example, in the above form, user 10 is engaging target 12 b, whichis behind obstacle 16, with the above described configured marker 50.User 10 is moving or rotating selector 82 of velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 as a function of the assisted velocity spreader mode, whileactivating trigger sensor 70. User 10 moves selector 82 to fast andmarker 50 is in jeopardy of exceeding the programmed RPS limit, as suchone or more values of the fire commands are ignored by circuit board 66.Thus, the release of fire commands and/or operational commands fromcircuit board 66, of the assisted velocity spreader mode areprogrammable and/or re programmable.

In another form, marker 50 includes an energy saving mode. Inparticular, marker 50 includes a compressed gas saving mode. Thecompressed gas saving mode allows a user 10 to expel more paintballs,more efficiently during a game. For example, in the sport of paintball,players are limited by the number of shots they can get from thecompressed gas source 100 (see FIG. 7) connected to their marker. Someefforts have been made in recent years to improve the gas usage orefficiency of today's paintball markers. And players sometimes have achoice of the compressed gas used in their marker to expel paintballs.Also, players sometimes have a choice of the size of tank or gas source100 used on their marker. Paintball markers still have a commonefficiency limitation; they shoot at one upper velocity setting, usingthe same amount of compressed gas to shoot a target, whether the targetis 25′ away or 250′ away. For an illustrated example, one could estimatethat user 10 can engage a target 100′ away, with a starting markervelocity of 300 FPS, and impact said target at 155 FPS, in about a ½second. One could also estimate, in this illustrated example, that user10 can engage a target 55′ away, with a starting marker velocity of 270FPS, and impact said target at 185 FPS, in about a ¼ second. While theabove illustrated example can only estimated because paintballs are notperfect spheres, as such, throwing off the drag forces, lift effect,wake effect, etc. Those skilled in the art would recognize, that apaintball expelled at a target 100 feet away, with a starting velocityset at an upper velocity setting (i.e. 300 FPS) and a paintball expelledat a target 50 feet away, with a starting velocity set at a lowervelocity setting (i.e. 270 FPS) will similarly mark and eliminate saidtarget. Thus, user 10 can also use marker 50 configured with thevelocity adjustment mechanisms and/or methods illustrated and/ordescribed herein, to expel projectiles at user selected targets in astraight fire mode; while saving or conserving compressed gas.

Those skilled in the art would also recognize, that marker 50 configuredwith a lobbing mode, an energy saving mode, and/or a surrender mode willpotentially gain in impact accuracy and/or uniformity. Marker 50configured with a lobbing mode, an energy saving mode, and/or asurrender mode will also potentially gain in velocity consistency and/oruniformity. For example, the possibility of the expelled paintballspinning and/or having a variable spin is reduced as the velocity islowered.

Referring to FIG. 47, as previously set forth, marker 50 includeselectronic circuit board 66 that is configured to monitor and/or controlvarious functional aspects of marker 50. In one representative form,circuit board 66 includes a processor 101 that is programmable toexecute one or more software routines. Processor 101 can comprise amicroprocessor including on-board memory for storing executable programcode and/or memory may be connected with processor 101. In some priorart electronic markers, it is envisioned that the markers can beretrofit with a new circuit board, as well as other components, toincorporate one or more features of the present invention.

In one form, circuit board 66 includes a firing mode module or routine600 that allows user 10 to select a desired firing mode for marker 50.User 10 can configure marker 50 to fire in a straight fire mode, alobbing mode, or an auto-select mode. In one form, controls 77 are usedby user 10 to select a respective firing mode within the firing modemodule 600. Selection of the straight fire mode causes marker 50 toexecute a straight fire mode module 602. In straight fire mode, marker50 is configured to fire projectiles as a conventional marker 50. Forthe sake of brevity, most conventional markers of today are configuredto fire projectiles in a conventional fire mode, such as, semi-automaticmode, fully automatic mode, burst mode, and/or ramp mode. In otherwords, marker 50 can be configured to fire projectiles at the uppervelocity setting and can fire projectiles in either semi-automatic mode(e.g.—1 projectile per trigger pull), fully automatic mode(e.g.—continuous projectile fire as long as trigger is depressed), burstmode (e.g.—5 projectiles per trigger pull) or ramp mode (e.g.—12projectiles per 6 trigger pulls). As such, in one form, straight firemode module 602 can be configured to selectively execute asemi-automatic mode module 604, a fully automatic mode module 606, aburst mode module 608, and/or a ramp module 605. Each of theabove-referenced modules 604-608 configures marker 50 to operateaccording to each respective firing mode.

Firing mode module 600 also allows user 10 to configure marker 50 tofire in a lobbing mode by execution of a lobbing mode module 610. Aspreviously set forth, the lobbing mode allows user 10 to lower thevelocity at which projectiles are expelled from barrel 54 of marker 50such that the projectiles travel along arc shaped paths. Together withangling barrel 54 at predetermined angles, the lobbing mode allows user10 to strike targets 12 b behind obstacles 16 that would otherwise beable to avoid being struck if marker 50 was firing in straight firemode. This is because at lower velocity settings, projectiles leavingbarrel 54 of marker 50 travel along various arc shaped paths as afunction of the velocity setting of marker 50. As previously set forth,in one form, circuit board 66 is configured to control operation ofsolenoid valve 74 to allow marker 50 to expel projectiles at varyingvelocity settings.

Firing mode module 600 also allows user 10 to select an auto-select modemodule 612 that configures marker 50 to operate in an auto-select firemode. As used herein, the phrase auto-select fire mode should beconstrued to mean that marker 50 is configured to automatically selecteither a straight fire mode or lobbing mode as a function of a sensorsignal, such as, from tilt sensor 48. For example, as previously setforth, if tilt sensor 48 indicates that barrel 54 of marker 50 is angledabove a predetermined threshold value (e.g.—any angle above 35° relativeto ground G), which would indicate that marker 50 is positioned to lobprojectiles on target 12 b, auto-select mode module 612 is configured toswitch marker 50 to lobbing mode. If marker 50 is positioned below thepredetermined threshold value, which would indicate that marker 50 ispositioned to fire substantially directly at a target 12 a, auto-selectmode module 612 is configured to switch marker 50 to straight fire mode.Also, as previously set forth, the automatic selection of a straightfire mode or lobbing mode can be a function of other signals, such as, asignal from motion sensor 47 or directional/locational sensor 43.

Referring to FIG. 48, lobbing mode module 610 is configured to allowuser 10 to set marker 50 to fire in a semi-automatic firing mode 616, afull-automatic firing mode 617, a burst firing mode 614, or a rampfiring mode 615. If burst firing mode 614 or ramp firing mode 615 isselected by user 10, a configuration module 618 allows user 10 toconfigure a projectile per trigger pull (e.g. burst firing mode—3projectiles per trigger pull, 5 projectiles per trigger pull, and soforth) or (e.g. ramp firing mode—12 projectiles per second for 6 triggerpulls per seconds). A spreader mode module 620 allows user 10 todetermine whether or not marker 50 is configured to expel projectiles ina spread of velocity settings in which each projectile is assigned adistinct velocity within a range of velocities. If user 10 selectsvelocity spreader mode, a velocity spread setting module 622 allows user10 to set the FPS difference between respective rounds. For example,user 10 can configure marker 50 to expel projectiles in increments of 5FPS, 10 FPS, and so forth. Also, velocity spread setting module 622allows user 10 to set the RPS setting, assign placement in the volley tothe determined velocity, and combine volleys or groups into collections,as previously set forth.

Once user 10 configures marker 50 to function in lobbing mode andselects the velocity spreader mode, a progressive mode module 624provides user 10 with the option to select a progressive mode.Progressive mode module 624 allows marker 50 to expel projectiles in aprogressive up, a progressive down, or a progressive up and down manner.For example, marker 50 is configured to expel projectiles in aprogressive mode such that the velocity settings progresses up and downin the spreader mode (e.g.—first 5 shot burst at velocities of 160 FPS,170 FPS, 180 FPS, 190 FPS, and 200 FPS; second 5 shot burst atvelocities of 200 FPS, 190 FPS, 180 FPS, 170 FPS, 160 FPS). As such,progressive mode module 624 configures marker 50 to function in avelocity progressive mode as represented at 626. As previously setforth, user 10 can use controls 77 to configure the operation of marker50 amongst the various operating modes.

Referring to FIG. 49, another representative form of straight fire modemodule 602 is illustrated; in this form, straight fire mode module 602is configured to allow user 10 to set marker 50 to fire in an energysaving mode. Selection of the energy saving mode causes marker 50 toexecute an energy saving mode module 630. In one form, as previously setforth, the energy saving mode is configured to save compressed gas usedto expel paintballs from marker 50. The energy saving mode module 630allows user 10 to determine whether or not marker 50 is configured witha straight fire auto selection mode, thereby executing straight fireauto selection mode module 632. Selection of the straight fire autoselection mode allows user 10, in the straight fire auto selection modemodule 632, to configure marker 50 to the self selection or automaticselection of an energy saving mode as a function of a sensor signal,such as, from directional/locational sensor 43. For example, aspreviously set forth, if directional/locational sensor 43 indicates thatbarrel 54 of marker 50 is positioned in the directional heading of apreregistered target area TA and/or opponent obstacle 16, while beinglocated in a preregistered location, straight fire auto selection modemodule 632 is configured to switch marker 50 to an energy saving mode,with a selected lower velocity setting. In one form, the selected lowervelocity setting is set with the energy saving configuration mode module634; energy saving configuration mode module 634 also allows user 10 tofurther configure marker 50. For example, user 10 can set distinctvelocity settings to different target areas, which have distinctdirectional headings. Also, user 10 can set different distinct velocitysettings to different target areas, which have distinct directionalheadings, when user 10 is located in different locations on the playingfield. Further, user 10 can set different energy saving lower velocitysettings as a function of different sensor signals. For example, user 10can set a distinct energy saving velocity setting for a directionalheading, when located in a preregistered location and still set adifferent distinct energy saving velocity setting for a distinct gesturein cooperation with motion sensor 47.

The non selection of the straight fire auto selection mode, which isdescribed above, still allows user 10 to select an energy saving lowervelocity setting, through energy saving conventional mode module 636.Energy saving conventional mode module 636 allows user 10 to preset alower velocity setting, in one form, and choose a selectable oradjustable lower velocity setting, in another form. The selectable oradjustable lower velocity setting can be controlled or managed bycontrols 77 or velocity controller 76, as described above (see FIG. 5).

Further, as in an above form (see FIG. 47), straight fire mode module602 can be configured to selectively execute a semi-automatic modemodule 604, a fully automatic mode module 606, a burst mode module 608,and/or a ramp module 605. Again, each of the above-referenced modules604, 605, 606, and 608 configures marker 50 to operate according to eachrespective firing mode. Thus, each of the above-referenced modules 604,605, 606, and 608 can be configured with an upper velocity settingand/or energy saving lower velocity settings.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 50, in one form marker 50 is configured in thelobbing mode to automatically calculate velocity settings and angles ofbarrel 54 as a function of readings obtained from distance sensor 75 andtilt sensors 48. For the sake of brevity, marker 50 has already beenconfigured by user 10 to either operate in the lobbing mode or theauto-select mode. During play, user 10 encounters target 12 b, which ishidden behind a respective obstacle 16. Using distance sensor 75, adistance reading module 700 allows user 10 to obtain a distance readingto target 12 b. In the alternative, user 10 can manually enter adistance to target 12 b using controls 77.

Marker 50 includes a lobbing algorithm module 702 that is configured tocalculate a plurality of angles for barrel 54 to be positioned at and aplurality of velocity settings needed for marker 50 to be able to lobprojectiles onto target 12 b. In one form, the velocity settings arecalculated as a function of the calculated angles. As such, onerespective calculated angle setting will have a first set of velocitysettings used to lob projectiles onto target 12 b and another calculatedangle setting will have a second set of velocity settings, and so forth.Multiple angles and sets of velocity settings may be required to lobprojectiles onto target 12 b depending on various factors, such as theheight of the obstacle, the distance to target 12 b, and so forth. Assuch, lobbing algorithm module 702 is configured to calculate aplurality of angles and sets of velocity settings corresponding to eachrespective calculated angle in order to lob projectiles onto target 12b.

In another form, marker 50 also includes an indicator control module 704configured to control operation of indicators 73 to guide user 10 toposition barrel 54 of marker 50 at the one or more calculated angles.Indicator control module 704 uses signals from tilt sensor 48 todetermine when barrel 54 of marker 50 is positioned in at one or more ofthe calculated angles. As previously set forth, up and down arrows (seeFIG. 6 a) of indicators 73 can be used to guide user 10 to place marker50 in the proper angular position. Once marker 50 is placed at one ormore of the calculated angles, a respective indicator 73 is illuminatedto indicate marker 50 is positioned at a one or more of the calculatedangles.

A firing module 706 monitors the status of trigger 62 and in response toa pull of trigger 62, marker 50 expels a plurality of projectiles in aspreader mode at target 12 b. In this form, marker 50 expels theprojectiles at the set of velocity settings corresponding to thecalculated angle. As should be appreciated, varying the angle of barrel54 will vary the arc shaped path that projectiles that are expelled frommarker 50 travel to reach target 12 b. As the angle of barrel 54 ischanged, the set of calculated velocities that projectiles need to beexpelled to reach target 12 b adjusts as a function of the distance totarget 12 b and the angular position of barrel 54 of marker 50.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 30 a-d and FIG. 51 a-b, a representativeform of a mechanized, computerized, and/or automated paintball regulator866 is illustrated. In one representative form, said paintball regulator866 includes an electronically and/or pneumatically controlledadjustment mechanism, such as, adjustment mechanism 852 (see FIG. 30a-b). In one form, paintball regulator 866 can be configured with anadjustment device and/or method, such as, motor or actuator 195, asdescribed above (see FIG. 15). In another form, paintball regulator 866can include and/or be in communication with a control(s), such ascontrol 77, as described above (see FIG. 5). Further, in another form,said mechanized or automated paintball regulator 866 can include and/orbe in communication with a controller, such as circuit board 66, alsodescribed above.

In one form, said mechanized or automated paintball regulator 866includes controls 77 and/or a controller, such as circuit board 66, thatis independent or separate from marker 50 and/or circuit board 66 ofmarker 50. There by, allowing a user 10 to configure said pressureregulator 866 onto different markers. Paintball players often own orhave access to more than one paintball marker, and often own or haveaccess to more than one style of marker. Some markers are mechanicallyoperated, while other markers are electronically operated orelectro-pneumatically operated, still other markers are electronicallyassisted mechanical markers, such as mechanically operated markers withan electronic trigger. While normally only found on lower end or levelmarkers, some markers and/or styles of markers of today are stillunregulated from the source or tank to the marker, although, this isnormally only markers that use CO2 solely as the compressed gas. Furtherstill, other markers and/or styles of markers of today, regulate thecompressed gas at or near the compressed gas source or tank 100, asdescribed above and as illustrated in FIGS. 30 c-d.

Those skilled in the art would recognize the benefits of a regulator oran additional regulator, even on the lower end or level markers. Theywould also recognize the benefits of a regulator and/or an additionalregulator configured with an independent or separate controller, such asa circuit board 66, there again, allowing the pressure regulator to beswitched or configured to different markers and/or styles of markers. Inone form, said mechanized or automated pressure regulator 866, with aseparate or individual controller, such as a circuit board 66, can beconfigured with transfer elements or data links 752, as described above(see FIGS. 45 to 46 b). For example, user 10 can configured a manuallyoperated marker 50 with automated pressure regulator 866, in thevertical pressure regulator 106 form (see FIG. 51 a) or the sourcepressure regulator in adapter 102 form (see FIG. 51 b), that includescircuit board 66 and controls 77; also electric and/or pneumaticadjustment mechanism 852 can be included, as described above (see FIGS.15 and 30 a-d). Further, circuit board 66 of said pressure regulator 866can be configured with data link(s) 752, electric power source 68, andpressure sensor(s) 46 (see FIG. 5). User 10 having set the uppervelocity limit for manually operated marker 50 through a manual velocityadjustor, such as velocity adjustor 302 (see FIG. 11), user 10 can setthe matching upper pressure and/or velocity limit for said pressureregulator 866, through circuit board 66 with connected controls 77.There by, allowing user 10 to adjust manually operated marker 50 betweenan upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting throughadjustment mechanism 852, controlled by controls 77 connected to circuitboard 66. Further, circuit board 66 of said pressure regulator 866,through connected data link 752, can indicate a determined and/or setpressure/velocity setting to user 10 through indicators 73 and/oracoustical element 755, of networked paintball system 750, as describedabove (see FIGS. 45 to 46 b).

In a further example, as in the above example, user 10 is using amanually operated marker 50 lacking a circuit board 66 of its own. User10 can configure circuit board 66 of regulator 866, in the verticalpressure regulator 106 form (see FIGS. 51 a) and/or the source pressureregulator in adapter 102 form (see FIGS. 51 b), to instruct paintballhopper 63 to load another paintball, through data link 752 of hopperunit 756 and data link 752 connected to circuit board 66 of saidregulator 866, as described above. The determined value that themanually operated marker 50 has fired and needs another paintball loadedcan come from the swift variation or momentary change in compressed gaspressure, as determined by pressure sensor(s) 46 connected to circuitboard 66 of said regulator 866.

As those skilled in the art would recognize that a mechanized,computerized, and/or automated pressure regulator 866 could beconfigured to include the other aspects, features, sensors, and/ormethods described and/or disclosed herein. There by, allowing a user 10to configure and/or retrofit many, if not most, paintball markers withmost of the aspects, features, and/or abilities described and/ordisclosed herein. For example, said pressure regulator 866 configuredwith a circuit board 66 and power source 68, can as include proximitysensors 69 (see FIG. 46 b), allowing said pressure regulator 866 toautomatically be placed into a safety mode or stand by mode, where bythe flow of compressed gas is restricted or cut off when separated fromthe user 10. Also, in one illustrative form, circuit board 66 of saidpressure regulator 866 can be configured with other disclosed sensors,such as tilt sensor(s) 48, distance sensor 75, directional/locationalsensor 43, vibration/sound sensor(s) 41, and/or motion sensor(s) 47, asdescribed above (see FIG. 5). Further, in another illustrative form,circuit board 66 of said pressure regulator 866 can be configured tolink to separate, unattached, and/or independent sensors and/or members,such as speed sensor 72, breech sensor 78, situational connecters 44-45,and/or indicators 73, as described above (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 46 b).Still, in another illustrative form, circuit board 66 of said pressureregulator 866 can be configured to connect with separate, unattached,and/or independent sensors and/or members, such as with connector orlink 292 and 294, as described above (see FIG. 41 b). In one form, asdescribed above, circuit board 66 of said pressure regulator 866 can beconfigured to be connected to and/or in communication with a pluralityof sensors, of one or more types or forms.

Further, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thatcircuit board 66 and/or controls 77 can be configured internally orexternally with a vertical pressure regulator 106 (see FIGS. 30 a-b and51 a), a source pressure regulator, such as in adapter 102 (see FIGS. 30c-d and 51 b), and/or any other pressure regulator, such as the lowpressure regulators 105 used for internally operating some markers (seeFIG. 51 b). Also, circuit board 66 and/or controls 77 can be configuredand/or housed with any other paintball equipment of user 10, such asinto or onto marker 50 and/or hopper 63, while still being in controlof, in connection with and/or in communication with said pressureregulator 866. In one form, circuit board 66 and/or controls 77 of saidpressure regulator 866 or their aspects, features, processes and/oroperations can be configured and/or combined with other circuit boards66 and/or controls 77 used by user 10 in other paintball equipment, suchas marker 50, hopper 63, player unit 754, hopper unit 756, etc.

In one representative form, said mechanized, computerized, and/orautomated paintball regulator 866 can be configured as a member or partof a paintball system, such as, linked system 750, as described above(see FIG. 46 b). In another form, automated regulator 866 can beconfigured as a member or part of a paintball marker 50, as describedabove (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The higher end or upper level markers oftoday are commonly electronically assisted markers and/orelectro-pneumatic markers that include an electronic controller and/orcircuit board. Thus, a user 10 can configure and/or retrofit these upperlevel markers to be in connection or communication with said pressureregulator 866, by replacing, enhancing and/or upgrading the existingcontroller and/or circuit board. There by, allowing a user 10 toconfigure and/or retrofit the upper level paintball markers with many,if not most, of the aspects, features, and/or abilities described and/ordisclosed herein, while not reconfiguring or replacing entire marker.For example, user 10 can replace or retrofit an existing circuit boardso that the new configured circuit board includes disclosed aspects,abilities, features, sensors, and/or methods, while still retaining itsnormal operational controls, such as in respect to the trigger sensor 70or solenoid valve 74. The replaced or retrofitted circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 can include some of aspects, features, and/or sensors, suchas, tilt sensors 48, motion sensors 47, vibration/sound sensors 41,proximity sensors 69, and/or transfer elements 752; while other aspects,features, sensors, and/or methods can be include with the linked orconnected automated regulator 866 to eases and/or simplify theconfiguration of marker 50, such as, pressure sensor 46,directional/locational sensor 43, distance sensor 75, and/or transferelements 752. Further still, other aspects, features, sensors, and/ormethods, such as, speed sensor 72 and/or breech sensor 78, can be linkedor connected to circuit board 66 of said pressure regulator 866 and/orcircuit board 66 of marker 50, through data links 752. Therefore, user10 can configure, reconfigure, and/or retrofit the majority, if notmost, paintball markers of today to include most, if not all, theaspects, features, and/or abilities described and/or disclosed in FIG. 1to FIG. 52 b, depending on the original design and/or configuration ofmarker 50.

In another representative form, circuit board 66 in connection with saidautomated regulator 866 can be configured to include a processor 101that is programmable to execute one or more software routines. In oneform, processor 101 can comprise a microprocessor or microprocessorsthat include on-board memory for storing executable program code and/ormemory may be connected with processor 101.

Referring collectively to FIG. 52 a-b, as previously set forth,electronic circuit board(s) 66 can be configured to monitor, apply,and/or control various functional aspects, features, abilities, and/ormethods that are described and/or disclosed herein. In one form,electronic circuit board(s) 66 include executable software routines thatallow user 10 to set and/or program desired settings and/or values. Forexample, in one form of the above form, the desired value can be adetermined value, such as, the determined value to allow user 10 to lobpaintballs onto target 12 b, as described above. In another form of theabove form, a determined value can decide and/or influence a desiredvalue, such as, the determined tilt angle or its value, of marker 50,influences the positioning of hopper 63 to maintain a level position orvalue. In another representative form, the desired value can be asettable constant value, such as, 300 FPS upper velocity limit, 13 BPSupper limit, etc.

In one form, the executable software routine determines the differenceor discrepancy between a desired value 732 and an undesired value 734.In one form of the above form, the software routine determines theneeded change or adjustment to the undesired value 734 for theachievement of the desired value 732. For example, user 10 has resetmarker 50 to a desired velocity setting of 180 FPS and its correspondingvalue, the software routine of electronic circuit board 66 knowing theprevious, now undesired, velocity setting and value can determine theadjustment 736 needed to the previous value to achieve the desired 180FPS or its value. In one form, the software routine changes the valuefor user 10 through circuit board 66, as described above. In anotherform, the software routine guides or instructs user 10 through thedetermined adjustment of the value 736, from the undesired value 734 tothe desired value 732, also described above.

In another form, as representatively illustrated in FIG. 52 b, thesoftware routine of electronic circuit board 66 can be configured tocheck or verify the determined adjustment of the value 736. In one formof the above form, the determined adjustment of the value 736 isverified, that is, the value is changed and/or adjusted. In anotherform, the determined adjustment of the value 736 is verified to theadjusted value 738. The verified adjusted value 738 can be compared tothe desired value 732, the software routine can then correct and/orchange the determined adjustment 737 of the determined adjustment of thevalue 736.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprisingthe steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator toexpel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settingsfalling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting;and b) providing a controller configured to allow a user to selectivelychoose, program, and/or re program a plurality of velocity settingsfalling between the first and second velocity settings.

Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses a method,comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectileaccelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selectedvelocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a secondvelocity setting; and b) providing a programmable controller configuredfor selectively choosing a plurality of velocity settings fallingbetween the first and second velocity settings.

A further aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprisingthe steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator toexpel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settingsfalling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting;and b) providing a programmable controller configured for selectivelychoosing an operational mode from a plurality of operational modes withvelocity settings falling between the first and second velocitysettings.

A further aspect of the present invention discloses a projectileaccelerator. The projectile accelerator includes a compressed gassource; a gas releasing mechanism in communication with the compressedgas source; a trigger mechanism for selectively controlling the gasreleasing mechanism; and a controller associated with said gas releasingmechanism for allowing said projectile accelerator to be selectivelycontrolled in a manner in which projectiles are expelled from saidprojectile accelerator between an upper velocity setting and a lowervelocity setting, where said projectiles are expelled from saidprojectile accelerator in a lobbed manner with differing lowervelocities and in a non-lobbed manner with an upper velocity setting.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a compressed gasprojectile accelerator, comprising a compressed gas source; a compressedgas control mechanism in communication with said compressed gas sourcefor selectively controlling compressed gas to expel a multiple ofprojectiles; and a projectile velocity controller configured toselectively expel projectiles at a multitude of selected velocitysettings falling within a range of velocity settings.

Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronicprojectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; avelocity control in communication with the electronic circuit board forallowing the velocity selection from a variety of velocity settings atwhich projectiles are expelled from a barrel, where a velocity selectionis not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value; and a firemode within the electronic circuit board, where the fire mode isconfigured to control one or more operating parameters of the electroniccircuit board as a function of the velocity selection.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronicprojectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; acontroller connected with said electronic circuit board to allow theselection of velocity settings from a range of velocity settings atwhich projectiles are expelled from a barrel, while not permitting saidvelocity setting to go above a predetermined maximum value; and anoperational mode in association with said electronic circuit board,where said electronic circuit board is configured to control one or moreoperating parameters of said electronic projectile accelerator as afunction of said velocity settings, while not permitting a determinedvalue to go above a predetermined maximum value in said operationalmode.

A further aspect of the present invention discloses a circuit board fora compressed gas projectile accelerator. The circuit board includessoftware routines or modules that include a firing module configured tooperate the compressed gas projectile accelerator in a straight firemode and a lobbing mode. The straight fire mode is operable to configurethe marker to operate in a semi-automatic mode, a fully-automatic mode,and a burst mode. The lobbing mode is configured to expel a group ofprojectiles at varying velocities within a range of velocities fallingbetween an upper velocity limit and a lower velocity limit. Eachprojectile in the group of projectiles is assigned a distinct velocitysetting.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittinga compressed gas projectile accelerator 50. The kit includes a velocitycontrol method, as disclosed and described above with respect to FIGS.1-52 b, that is configured to allow marker 50 to expel a plurality ofprojectiles between a defined range of velocity settings, within a rangeof operational modes. A component controller or circuit board can beincluded in the kit for allowing a user to selectively configure,program, and/or re-program the velocity control method or operationalmodes. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending onthe design of marker 50, paintball hopper 63, paintball pod harness 772,goggle system 762 and/or other paintball equipment, but will include oneor more of the methods described and set forth with respect to FIGS.1-52 b.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittinga compressed gas projectile accelerator 50 and/or projectile feedingsystem 63. The kit includes a feeding method, as disclosed and describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1-52 b, that is configured to allow marker50 to expel projectiles while positioned in a plurality of positionsand/or angles. The exact components included in the kit will varydepending on the design of marker 50, paintball hopper 63, paintball podharness 772, goggle system 762 and/or other paintball equipment, butwill include one or more of the methods described and set forth withrespect to FIGS. 1-52 b.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittingthe paintball equipment of a user 10. The kit includes a data orinformation transfer method, as disclosed and described above withrespect to FIGS. 1-52 b, that is configured to allow the paintballequipment and/or user 10 to share data or information. The exactcomponents included in the kit will vary depending on the design ofmarker 50, paintball hopper 63, paintball pod harness 772, goggle system762 and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more ofthe methods described and set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-52 b.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittingthe paintball equipment of a user 10. The kit includes a relationship orproximity sensing method, as disclosed and described above with respectto FIGS. 1-52 b, that is configured to allow the paintball equipmentand/or user 10 to sense and/or gauge the relational position ofdiffering equipment elements or members. The exact components includedin the kit will vary depending on the design of marker 50, paintballhopper 63, paintball pod harness 772, goggle system 762 and/or otherpaintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methodsdescribed and set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-52 b.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittingthe paintball equipment of a user 10. The kit includes a vibrationand/or acoustic sensing method, as disclosed and described above withrespect to FIGS. 1-52 b. Further, the kit can include a vibration and/oracoustic reducing method, as disclosed and described above with respectto FIGS. 1-52 b, that is configured to allow the paintball equipmentand/or user 10 to operate at reduced vibration and/or sound levels. Theexact components included in the kit will vary depending on the designof marker 50, paintball hopper 63, paintball pod harness 772, gogglesystem 762 and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one ormore of the methods described and set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-52b.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittinga compressed gas regulator 866 for a paintball marker 50. The kitincludes a velocity control method, as disclosed and described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-52 b, that is configured to allow marker 50 toexpel a plurality of projectiles between a defined range of velocitysettings, within a range of operational modes. A component controller orcircuit board can be included in the kit for allowing a user toselectively configure, program, and/or re-program the velocity controlmethod, operational modes and/or functional operations. The exactcomponents included in the kit will vary depending on the design ofmarker 50, paintball hopper 63, paintball pod harness 772, goggle system762 and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more ofthe methods described and set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-52 b.

Those skilled in the art would recognize that the described components,features and/or members of the above described paintball equipment maybe configured, laid out, or connected in a different manner orconfiguration; and the described components, features and/or members canbe combined or separated into single components, features and/ormembers. The described components, features and/or members may beduplicated or copied in plural forms in the above described paintballequipment. Also, the described components, features and/or members maybe connected directly to power source 68 or have a separate source ofpower.

Those skilled in the art would also recognize that the described modes,methods, and/or manners of the above described paintball equipment maybe configured, laid out, or formulated in a different style orconfiguration; and the described modes, methods, and/or manners can becombined or separated into single modes, methods, and/or manners. Thedescribed modes, methods, and/or manners may be duplicated or copied inplural forms in the above described paintball equipment.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood thatwhile the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or morepreferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature sodescribed may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary andembodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope ofthe invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. Inreading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,”“at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intentionto limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to thecontrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “aportion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire itemunless specifically stated to the contrary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A projectile loading controller, comprising: acontroller configured to change one or more operating parameters of theloading sequence of a projectile accelerator, where said controller isin collaboration with one or more proximity sensors.
 2. The projectileloading controller of claim 1, further comprising one or more actuatorsconfigured to adjust one or more operating parameters of said projectileaccelerator.
 3. The projectile loading controller of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more circuit boards in communication with saidcontroller, wherein said circuit boards are operable to change one ormore operational parameters of said projectile accelerator.
 4. Theprojectile loading controller of claim 1, further comprising one or moreproximity sensors in collaboration with said controller, wherein saidsensors are positioned adjacent to the user's hand.
 5. The projectileloading controller of claim 1, further comprising one or more proximitysensors in collaboration with said controller, wherein said controlleris positioned adjacent to the user's hand.
 6. The projectile loadingcontroller of claim 1, further comprising one or more proximity sensorsin collaboration with said controller, wherein said sensors arepositioned adjacent to or into the projectile storage unit on the user'sbody.
 7. The projectile loading controller of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more proximity sensors in collaboration with saidcontroller, wherein said controller is positioned adjacent to or intothe projectile storage unit on the user's body.
 8. The projectileloading controller of claim 1, further comprising one or more proximitysensors in collaboration with said controller, wherein said controlleris positioned adjacent to or into the projectile storage unit.
 9. Theprojectile loading controller of claim 1, further comprising one or moreproximity sensors in collaboration with said controller, wherein saidsensors are positioned adjacent to or into the projectile storage unit.10. The projectile loading controller of claim 1, where said controllercontrols the release of projectiles from a projectile storage unit. 11.The projectile loading controller of claim 1, where said controllercontrols the release of a projectile storage unit from the user's body.12. The projectile loading controller of claim 1, where said controllercontrols the release of a containment lid from a projectile storageunit.
 13. The projectile loading controller of claim 1, where saidcontroller is in communication with the user's protective eye wear. 14.The projectile loading controller of claim 1, where said controller isin communication with said projectile accelerator.
 15. A method,comprising: configuring a projectile storage unit to contain projectilesfor a projectile accelerator; and providing a controller incollaboration with one or more proximity sensors to control the releaseof said contained projectiles to said projectile accelerator.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising one or more actuators incommunication with said controller to release said containedprojectiles.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising one or morecircuit boards in communication with said controller to release saidcontained projectiles.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprisingthe controller measuring the relationship of the controller to the saidone or more proximity sensors.
 19. A kit for retrofitting the loader ofa projectile accelerator, comprising: a controller to control therelease of the containment lid of said loader; and one or more proximitysensors in collaboration with said controller to trigger said release ofthe containment lid.
 20. The kit for retrofitting the loader of aprojectile accelerator, further comprising one or more actuators incommunication with said controller.